Crystal Palace skipper expecting tough derby against Charlton Athletic
Crystal Palace captain Annabel Johnson is predicting a tough South London derby on Sunday against Charlton Athletic at Selhurst Park.
The two sides are separated by just one point in the Women’s Championship, with the Addicks above the Eagles in the table after they picked up all three points away to Durham last time out.
Karen Hills’ side have played one more game than Dean Davenport’s Palace.
Palace secured a 2-2 draw at The Oakwood last season and beat Charlton 3-2 at Hayes Lane.
Elise Hughes, Natalia Negri and Anna Filbey all joined Palace following their release from the Addicks in the summer.
“Charlton have had a fantastic start to the season,” said Johnson, who works in digital marketing alongside her commitments in football. “Even if they hadn’t, these games are usually quite chaotic, exciting, end-to-end and unpredictable because of the derby fixture.
“There is a lot of history between the two squads, with players swapping from Charlton to Palace. It’s going to be a really exciting and tough game.”
The Eagles won three of their first four games of the season but find themselves seven points off top-of-the-table Bristol City heading into Sunday’s game.
When asked whether promotion was the target this season, Johnson said: “Of course it is. Aim high – we will keep working hard and keep focusing on our performances. I’m excited to see where it takes us.”
Johnson has been with the South Londoners since 2019 after leaving London Bees. She won the 2019-20 Player of the Season in her first campaign there and was made captain by Dean Davenport.
“I was really surprised and over the moon,” said Johnson, talking about the captaincy. “I’m not often left speechless, but I just couldn’t wait to tell my mum and dad.”
Tickets can be purchased here https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/women/crystal-palace-womens-2022-home-tickets-on-sale-at-selhurst-and-hayes-lane/2022-11-01/
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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