A maiden trip to the Dripping Pan awaits Chelsea Women this afternoon, as we take on Lewes for the first time, and Ann Katrin-Berger has insisted there will be no drop in standard from the Blues despite facing lower-league opposition.
The Sussex-based side welcome us for the third game of our Continental Tyres League Cup group-stage campaign, with Emma Hayes’ squad currently alongside Reading at the top of Group D South after winning our first two fixtures.
The game kicks off at 2pm and those not attending can keep up to date via our Women’s channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Further match details can be found in our preview. Although they are playing in the Championship this term and have yet to get off the mark in the Conti Cup, Berger will not be underestimating Lewes when the action commences.
‘I’ve never played against them, but I’m really looking forward to it,’ said the German. ‘For me, as a goalkeeper, these are the hardest games, because you never know what to expect from them.
‘In my career I’ve learned that you can’t go into any game thinking you’ve won it, so that’s why it’s really important that we keep our standards and perform at our highest level. They almost beat Reading, which tells you they can’t be bad.
Emma also told us how they pay their men’s and women’s team the same in one of our team meetings this week. It’s quite impressive and normally it should be like this everywhere, but it’s a good start. I’m really looking forward to going there.’
The competition also offers the first chance of silverware for clubs in the top two tiers of English football this season and for Berger, getting her hands on silverware is the sole objective this season.
‘I can tell you we are making sure we win every single title this year,’ she added. ‘I came to Chelsea because I want to win something.
‘I’ve had a lot of seconds in my career, both in leagues and cups, in Germany, France and also England. I’m getting tired of second place and I want to put something in my trophy cabinet.
‘This club also never won the Continental Cup, so it means a lot for us to go and win that competition as well. But we know there is a long way to go.’
There is an international break after today's encounter, but the Blues return to Barclays Women's Super League action on Sunday 17 November when they take on Manchester United at Kingsmeadow. Kick-off is at 2pm and tickets can be purchased here.