New base at Bayliss

The Charlton women's team will play their home matches in the 2010/11 season at Bayliss Avenue, home of Ryman League side Thamesmead Town.

Thamesmead Manager Keith McMahon and Paul Mortimer

The ground is closer to the heart of Charlton's supporting heartland than Erith Stadium, which was used by the Addicks last term, and is currently being renovated.

Charlton technical director Paul Mortimer is delighted with the move, saying: "Bayliss Avenue has everything that we need, and I am really looking forward to moving there.

"I had never been to the stadium before last Sunday, so I didn't know what to expect. But the pitch, which is the most important thing in my eyes, looks absolutely fantastic.

"In some ways the ground is still a work in progress - they have this new bit of stadium and clubhouse they are building - but that isn't a problem for us," he added.

The venue switch is also a positive step in Charlton's bid to attract more supporters to watch the team as the Addicks aim to gain promotion to the Premier League National Division.

Mortimer said: "The ground isn't too far away, it's in a great catchment area for us in terms of getting people through the door to come and watch."

Thamesmead manager Keith McMahon was equally thrilled, saying: "We have Sporting Club Thamesmead being built at the moment, and we are building up a good partnership with Charlton."

The link with the Addicks will also be a golden opportunity for the club to progress their own ladies' team.

"It is good for the club, because it will highlight ladies football within Thamesmead as well," added McMahon.

"We have an U16 ladies side, and Paul is keen to have a friendly with them which will be great for the progression of our players because they will see what they should be aspiring to be."

Agreeing with McMahon, Mortimer said: "I know they have girls' sides and I am looking to play against them so we can create as many positive links as possible."

Mortimer was sad to be leaving Erith Stadium after just a year, but admitted the switch had to be done for the benefit of the club's players and supporters.

"I can't knock Erith, but there were things that weren't quite right about it. It is always difficult when you have a pitch with a running track around it because everything is so far away," he explained.

"The good thing about Thamesmead is that we can now get some centre of excellence girls down to be ball girls and mascots. It was difficult to do that at Erith because none of them lived in the area."

Charlton's pre-season build up is going well. In their first friendly against Ebbsfleet United, the Addicks ran out 3-1 winners with goals from Pam McRoberts, Grace Coombs and Kimberley Dixson, who rejoined the club over the summer.

Last Sunday, they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Millwall, with Gemma Bryan netting against her former club. The reserves drew 1-1 with their Millwall counterparts with Jessica Creighton finding the back of the net.

On Thursday evening, the Addicks were 4-1 winners against Enfield, with Jenny Newman netting a brace. Carrie-Anne Layton and Sam Rowland, the latter scoring first senior goal, were also on target.

On Sunday, Charlton face Barnet (3pm) 24 hours after Phil Parkinson's men also take on the Bees in friendly action, while the reserves play Maidstone (1pm). Both matches will take place at Sparrows Lane.