Women snap up Whitstable pair

The Charlton women's team have signed two players from coastal side Whitstable Town after snapping up goalkeeper Emily Hayward and midfielder Lucy Harrington.

Lucy Harrington and Emily Hayward have been signed by the Charlton women's team

The pair become permanent fixtures after completing a successful trial period with the club at the end of last season.

Reserves manager Sean Higgins was happy with the arrival of the duo, stating: "It's a bigger structure here than they were used to previously but they have acclimatised well."

Hayward, 17, welcomed her new environment, commenting: "Everyone is so focused and pushing each other."

Harrington, 19, is also impressed with the attitude of other the players, adding: "Everyone is so committed and no one is negative. Whitstable only usually got six or seven turn out to training. Here it is a bigger set up with more players."

Higgins originally spotted the players when Charlton played Whitstable last season in the Kent Cup and despite the Addicks' comfortable 10-0 win, he recalled: "They mentality stood out among their teammates.

"Emily pulled off some brilliant saves and was very brave and committed - I was impressed with that. She is a good shot-stopper. Lucy is very determined and tenacious, she continued to fight and battle and refused to give up - desire and winning mentality are important at this level."

He continued: "At any level of football you should never give up, especially at the top. If you go a goal or two down you have to have that faith and confidence in your ability to turn things around.

"Playing against some of the bigger sides next year we could go a goal or two down and I'll expect passion and desire from the girls, to hopefully turn things around and retrieve something from the game."

Both players featured as the reserves drew 1-1 in a pre-season friendly against Millwall Lionesses on Sunday.

Higgins said: "Lucy got on after two minutes because of an injury at right-back and did really well. Then we pushed her on into midfield for the second half. Emily played the second half but didn't have much to do. Millwall only had one shot on goal in the game and that was in the first half."