Ella Rutherford hoping to make it another first as Charlton Women prepare for Valley match against Durham

Ella Rutherford has already made a little bit of history this season and is looking for another slice on Sunday.

The striker, who turned 22 on Thursday, scored the first competitive goal for the Addicks after they turned professional in the summer.

And now Rutherford has her sights on netting at The Valley against Durham this weekend – the first time the FA Women’s Championship outfit have played at the stadium since owner Thomas Sandgaard made them a full-time operation.

“As a team we have picked up some good results and played some unbelievable football at times – the best in the league – so to get a win on Sunday would be the perfect way to end,” said the former Millwall player.

“As a striker you want to contribute with goals and it is such a good thing for me to have the record of scoring the first goal after the team went professional. I’d like to do the same on Sunday in terms of the first goal at The Valley.”

Charlton can still finish as high as fifth and are guaranteed to be at least seventh, their current standing.

“We didn’t put too much pressure on ourselves at the start of the season,” said Rutherford.

“It was our first time as a professional outfit and the second thing was that we brought in a lot of players from different clubs. It was about seeing where we were as a group and building relationships.

“I’m excited for the future and where this club can actually go. There have been a lot of things we’ve learned – as coaches and players – that will give us the opportunity to be a lot more prepared going into next season.

“Playing at The Valley is a massive opportunity for us and we are really excited.

“It is the home of Charlton and we know the history behind the club and how much the stadium means to the fans.”

Rutherford signed a professional deal with the Addicks at the end of July.

She said: “I picked up quite a significant injury at the end of last season so it was about making sure I was fit enough and able enough to be effective and play this season – because it was a rupture of the ACL.

“With the help of Simon [Webster] with the rehab I was able to prove myself and show Karen [Hills] I had come through the injury and that I was physically and mentally strong. I proved that in pre-season, scoring goals and playing well, and I took that into the season itself.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD