An evening game awaits for the Royals first home fixture of the campaign
Championship football returns this weekend as we take on current 3rd place opponents Charlton Athletic.
Late drama denied the girls a perfect start to the season last week with a last minute equaliser from Crystal Palace resulting in a 1-1 draw against the South London side.
Join the girls in this Barclays Championship clash at the Select Car Leasing stadium, Saturday the 2nd of September at 17:15.
Tickets
All tickets this season will be in the Lower West Stand, bringing you even closer to the action, as you'll be right by the tunnel and the dugout.
For the quickest and easiest way of purchasing tickets you can head to our online ticket office, with advanced tickets cheaper than matchday prices which start four hours before kick off (1.15pm). For those wishing to purchase their tickets in person on the day, the ticket office will be open from 3.30pm.
Tickets for Reading FC Women in RG2
Reading Women Ticket Office
GOOGLE & APPLE WALLET
After buying your ticket, you will receive a confirmation email with Google & Apple Wallet options. Select either 'Google Wallet - Save to phone' or 'Add to Apple Wallet' button depending on your device - this will download your ticket to your device's wallet. Please note that tickets can only be sent to your wallet once, so please make sure you follow these steps on the device you wish to use on matchday.
If supporters have selected Google Wallet or Apple Wallet for their ticket, they should be reminded to download their ticket to their phone in advance. The below guide explains how to do this and how to use it.
Guide to using Google & Apple Wallet
New for the 2023-24 campaign, Season Ticket Holders can download their ticket to their Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Watch this short video for instructions on how to do so:
Print at home
If supporters have selected Print At Home, they need to be pre-folded before reaching the turnstile. Please refer to the video below.
COLLECTIONS
If you need to collect, then we advise to arrive as early as possible. The Ticket Office will be open from 3.30pm on match day (in-person only).
Download your Season Ticket
You can download your mobile Season Ticket via your online account here
Request a physical card
You can request a physical card by emailing sales@readingfc.co.uk
Further information
If you require further information about downloading your Season Ticket you can read our guide here and our FAQ guide here.
If you still require further assistance, please email sales@readingfc.co.uk or call 0118 968 1313.
You can also find links to car parking here - https://ticketing.readingfc.co.uk/
CASHLESS STADIUM
A reminder that we now operate as a cashless stadium.
Accessing the stadium
For those who are no stranger to watching the Royals at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, fans will be used to entering at the East Stand (Gates 7 & 8).
A slight adjustment this season means that we invite fans to be sat in the Lower West Stand. Access these seats via Gate 4 which is located just to the right of the Fanstore, under the Main Reception.
Matchday Programme
Once again this season, we will provide you with a free copy of our matchday programme, only available to download digitally from the weekend preview.
Inside our first addition, we say a big welcome to Liam Gilbert who prepares for his very first game in RG2 as the new Royals Boss, a word from our new Captain, Lily Woodham, a squad list and how you can sponsor one of our players, and more.
Download your free copy by hitting the link below:
Pre match entertainment
Papa Johns Match Predictor
Fancy your chance to win a free Papa Johns pizza? Predict the correct score of Reading vs Charlton to win a free pizza at our next home match at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Sunday 17th September against Southampton. It's free to enter, good luck!
The opposition
As Saturday looms, Reading FC Women are gearing up for an intense clash against Charlton Athletic Women.
Charlton Athletic Women had an impressive pre-season, showcasing their prowess with dominant performances. They secured convincing wins against Oxford United (3-0), West Ham (5-0), and a remarkable 8-1 victory over MK Dons, underlining their formidable form heading into the new campaign.
The Addicks fortified their squad with a series of new signings, aiming for a reinvigorated team dynamic. Several key players also extended their contracts, underscoring the club's commitment to progress. Their fourth-place finish last season reclaimed their top-four status in the Championship, marking their highest league finish since ranking third in the 2018-2019 season.
Charlton Athletic Women boasts a storied history in English women's football, with an impressive trophy collection dating back to the early 2000s. Iconic moments include their triumphant 1-0 victory against Everton in the FA Cup final. Their standout 2017/2018 campaign saw them clinch the FA Women Premier League (South) title, secure national play-off victory, and claim the London Capital Cup.
While their journey since promotion to the Barclays Women's Championship in 2018 has seen its challenges, Charlton remains resilient. Consistent finishes in the top five over the past seasons reveal their determination. As they strive to ascend the English football ladder once more, they enter this encounter with Reading FC Women with high hopes and fierce ambition.
As we prepare for this highly anticipated match, the Royals are ready to give their all against a formidable opponent. The clash promises excitement, intensity, and a captivating battle on the pitch.
One to watch: Melissa Johnson
Heading into the weekend's match, all eyes are on Melissa Johnson, Charlton's striker with a dynamic journey in women's football.
Johnson's professional journey commenced at Sheffield United, where her talent as a forward began to shine. The 2017-2018 season marked a turning point as Johnson's prowess in the FA WSL 2 (now known as the Barclays Women's Championship) was undeniable. A remarkable tally of 12 goals in just 15 games for the Blades propelled her into the spotlight, earning her the WSL 2 Player of the Month accolade for both January and May.
In the subsequent season, Johnson made a move to Leicester in the Midlands. Her tenure with the Foxes yielded five goals during the 2018-2019 campaign, showcasing her consistency as a goal scorer.
Next up was a spell at Aston Villa, and despite the abrupt end to the 2019-2020 season due to the global pandemic, Johnson left an indelible mark at the Villians. In the 14 games played, she emerged as the second joint top goal scorer for the team, amassing an impressive tally of 12 goals. Her unforgettable October spell was a testament to her prowess, with an astonishing three hat-tricks in just five games.
Returning to her roots at Sheffield for the 2020-2021 season, Johnson continued her goal-scoring legacy, finding the net five times in 15 games. Her diverse experiences led her to Bristol City in the subsequent season, where she netted four goals in 17 appearances for the club.
The 2022/2023 season witnessed Johnson's journey taking her further south to Charlton. A seamless transition saw her clinching the joint top goal scorer title, sharing the coveted golden boot award with London City's Sarah Ewens.
Her impactful debut season earned Johnson a well-deserved contract extension with Charlton Athletic Women. With a wealth of experience in the league and a proven ability to find the back of the net, Johnson poses a significant challenge for Reading FC Women's Liam Gilbert in the upcoming clash.
Head to Head
A rare encounter that never fails to deliver excitement, the clash between Reading FC Women and Charlton Athletic Women promises a thrilling showdown on the pitch. Though infrequent, these two teams have a history of producing goal-filled spectacles that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
In their last five encounters, Charlton has held the upper hand, securing two victories, while Reading managed one win, and the matches concluded in two hard-fought draws. The most recent clash unfolded on 7th October 2020, as Reading asserted their dominance with a commanding 4-0 triumph.
However, Charlton's last triumph over Reading dates back exactly 12 years ago, setting the stage for a riveting rematch this weekend. On 4th September 2011, a thrilling 8-goal spectacle unfolded, ending in Charlton's favor with a 5-3 victory.
Another memorable showdown took place in a captivating FA Cup tie on 27th February 2011. The teams battled to a 2-2 draw in regular time, leading to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout that ultimately saw Charlton emerging victorious with a 5-4 scoreline.
The narrative of this clash is consistently punctuated by goals, as evidenced by the pair of 1-1 draws in their history. The first occurred at Reading's home turf on 28th March 2010, while the latter unfolded at Charlton's grounds on 6th November 2011.
With goals aplenty, this fixture promises another enthralling chapter. Reading FC Women will aim to replicate their recent success against Charlton, while the opposition seeks to notch their third victory in six encounters against the Royals. As these sides lock horns once again, expect nothing short of captivating action and dramatic twists on the field.