Simpkins knows that the Addicks will have a point to prove when they take on a top-flight Albion team, and the midfielder highlighted the importance of using the added scrutiny to their advantage.
She said, “We’re expecting a tough challenge and the teams below us always raise their game, so we’re looking forward to it and know it will be a big test for us.
“The mood is high and you could see after the game that we were disappointed, but we’ve got good team morale and we’re looking to build on last week and take that into the Charlton game.
“In our league games we’ve been the underdogs and the pressure is on the other team. This time the pressure is on us and we’ll embrace that, especially looking back on our performances in the league, as teams are looking at Brighton and seeing that we’re picking up points.”
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The 29-year-old will be aiming to make her first appearance of the season, after being on the bench in the Bristol City and Chelsea games, and spoke about the keenly-contested battle for places.
“The main focus for me is to be the best player and team-mate for everyone in the squad. But I would love some game time and I’ll be looking to impress Hope by putting in a good performance and taking the opportunity.
“We’ve got healthy competition in the squad and there’s a lot of depth there. If we carry on putting in the performances that we have done this season, then we’ll be okay. We always demand more from each other, and we want to keep our standards high.”
Megan Walsh, Danique Kerkdijk, Matilde Lundorf and Lea Le Garrec all arrived at the club this summer, and Simpkins commented on how all four players have complemented the tremendous team spirit in the squad.
“Everyone has settled in brilliantly. It’s so easy to gel into this group, and I found that out when I joined last year. That’s credit to us as team-mates and we have got a good group here.
“Every one of us is embracing the journey of being a professional footballer. This is our job and we want to be the best players we can possibly be.”