Goalkeeper Katie Startup made her Charlton Athletic return in the club’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at The Oakwood this afternoon.
The 21-year-old left The Addicks in the summer to join Barclays FA Women’s Super League club Brighton & Hove Albion but Startup has returned to her former club on a short-term loan.
Charlton Athletic confirmed the deal via their official Twitter account a couple of hours before they faced London rivals Palace in their opening FA Women’s Championship fixture.
It’s been an emotional journey for @KatieLStartup and Charlton…
But it’s not over just yet.
We are pleased to announce a short-term loan deal with the @BHAFCWomen goalkeeper. #cafc #cafcwomen pic.twitter.com/9AIrM52CUX
— Charlton Athletic Women (@CAFCWomen) September 6, 2020
Startup was immediately installed into the Charlton Athletic side for this afternoon’s fixture. Riteesh Mishra’s side took an early lead against The Eagles at The Oakwood with Jess King netting a sixth-minute goal on her debut before Palace soon equalised through Bianca Baptiste. Cherelle Khassal then fired the visitors in-front as the home side faced an uphill battle for three points just as they did so often last season. The Addicks looked set for an opening day defeat but they rescued a point three minutes from time when Shauna Vassell fired home after visiting keeper Chloe Morgan failed to handle King’s initial effort.
Despite failing to collect three points, it was a good day for Charlton Athletic fans who saw their side show some promise while one of their favourite players returned in-between the sticks. The South East Londoners will now look forward to their trip to Blackburn Rovers next weekend.
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