BRIGHTON will begin their fourth term in the Women’s Super League with a clash against West Ham.
The game will take place at the Amex Stadium with WSL fans set to return to watch the team this season.
And the contest will start at 2:00 pm on Sunday 5 September with tickets going on sale on August 7.
Albion, who finished sixth last term, will be targeting a higher spot in the table in a season that will see WSL games aired on Sky Sports and the BBC as part of a landmark three-year TV deal.
The last time Hope Powell’s aces played at the Amex was back in November 2019 with 4,310 fans turning up to watch them trounce Birmingham 3-0.
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And Covid restrictions saw the club play the majority of last term’s games behind closed doors at the People’s Pension Stadium – home of League Two outfit Crawley.
Brighton boss Powell, 54, said: “We have only had a couple of games at Crawley with supporters present in the last 18 months so to be able to have a big crowd in at the Amex for the first game of the new season will be brilliant.
“We look forward to welcoming them back and to seeing as many Albion fans there as possible to get behind the team and making it a memorable occasion for the club.
“It’s such a big season for the WSL with a new broadcast deal and the increased profile that will bring to the women’s game and plus, of course, the (Women’s) Euros in England next summer as well.
“Our first game of the season at the Amex is going to be a fantastic occasion and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Albion’s encounter with the Irons could see boss Powell give debuts to summer signings Danielle Carter and Rinsola Babajide.
Former Arsenal forward Carter, 28, joined the club in July on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee following a one-season spell at Reading last term.
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And the striker, who won three FA Cups and three WSL titles with the Gunners, netted four goals in 25 Royals appearances last season.
Meanwhile, Babajide, 23, sealed a one-term loan switch from Liverpool.
The former Millwall striker was named Player of the Season following her first term with the Reds from 2019 to 2020.
And the London-born forward was part of an England side who finished third in the Under 20 Women’s World Cup in 2018.
Powell added: “We achieved our highest WSL position (last season) and we’re in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, but we want to push on this season and get better.
“Any additions to our squad have got to add value to what we’ve got and in Danielle and Rinsola that is definitely the case.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
