How WSL 2 title contenders Charlton are defying the odds

TL;DR

Charlton Athletic, initially overlooked as title contenders in WSL 2, had a remarkable 27-game unbeaten streak. Manager Karen Hills aims for promotion, calling it a potential career highlight.

Key points

Charlton Athletic had a 27-game unbeaten run.
The unbeaten streak ended in March.
Manager Karen Hills aims for promotion.
Promotion would be a significant achievement for Hills.
Charlton was not initially seen as title contenders.

Mentioned in this story

Karen Hills

Charlton AthleticWomen's Super League 2

Charlton Athletic celebrating during a game in February

Charlton Athletic had a 27-game unbeaten run that ended in March [Getty Images]

An earlier version of this article was published on 4 April.

Hardly anyone was talking about Charlton Athletic being title contenders before the Women's Super League 2 season.

So it is no surprise manager Karen Hills feels it would be "one of the greatest achievements of her career" if they were to gain promotion.

With one game remaining, her side sit at the top of the WSL 2 with 42 points, one point ahead of title rivals Birmingham City and Crystal Palace.

Charlton face Birmingham in a massive game on Saturday, 2 May at 15:00 BST, with Crystal Palace taking on relegated Portsmouth at the same time.

As the WSL expands from 12 to 14 teams next season, the top two in WSL 2 will automatically secure promotion to the WSL, while the team finishing third will face bottom-of-the-table WSL side Leicester in a play-off on Saturday, 23 May.

Charlton have led the way for the majority of the campaign, but their form has dipped significantly with three defeats in their past four matches.

With one of the lowest budgets in the league, competing against big spenders Newcastle United and Birmingham, as well as Crystal Palace, it has already been a remarkable campaign for the Addicks.

"If you'd have told me in pre-season this is where we would be at this point, I'd have bitten your hand off," Hills told BBC Sport.

"These players deserve to be where they are. The amount of work that they've put in, the way that they've played and the way that they've executed everything we've asked of them, they deserve all the accolades and the achievements.

"If we were to be promoted then I believe it's probably one of the greatest achievements in my career.