JAMES MARRS admits he cannot quite believe his returning striker did not find the net on the opening day.

But Albion Women’s manager will be delighted if Kate Natkiel was saving the breakthrough for the first “biggy” of the season.

The Seagulls take on old foes Charlton Athletic at Thamesmead on Sunday knowing even at this stage that the points could ultimately prove vital in what looks like being a very hard fought race for honours. Natkiel, back at the club on a full transfer following an earlier loan spell from Watford, shone in the season-opening 4-0 defeat of newcomers Forest Green last Sunday.

Marrs, who felt his side could have been more clinical, was just amazed she did not net.

Instead Jay Blackie, Deanna Cooper, Lucy Somes and Kirsty Barton secured the points. Marrs told The Argus: “I was delighted because you never quite know what will happen on the opening day.

“Our fitness levels were very good. You never know how that will go until the first game but the players have been working hard all summer.

“I thought Kate deserved a goal. She had chances but it just wasn’t to be.

“She could have had three or four but that will come.”

Natkiel, pictured, is one of several Albion players who have joined from clubs in a higher division.

Marrs hopes that helps in what could be a tense battle for honours.

He said: “Bringing players in from a higher league is not a deliberate policy but I think it is inevitable things will go that way given the pedigree of players I want to bring in.

“They have experience of the division we aspire to be in.

“Kate had a good spell here a couple of seasons ago, then went back to Watford where it did not quite happen for her for whatever reason.”

Natkiel’s strike partner Kim Stenning, back at the club from Millwall, left the Forest Green game after taking a whack to the head which could make her doubtful for the Charlton match.

Marrs is fully aware of the importance of the occasion.

He said: “It’s quite a biggy early in the season.

“I’d call it a six-pointer. I know it it’s hard to say that in only the second week but we are both teams who could be up there.

“We lost there in the league last season and they beat us in the cup quarter-finals as well, which I wasn’t very happy about.

“They have strengthened as well so it will be a good game for the neutral – although I don’t think I’ll enjoy it much!”

As well as the front two, Charlotte Young made her second debut for the club against promoted Forest Green after returning during the summer.

And it was an afternoon to remember for Annie Rolf, a graduate of the club’s centre of excellence who made her senior bow in midfield.

l Albion are next at home a week on Sunday when Gillingham visit the Amex Elite Football Performance Centre in the League Cup. Email womensfootball@bhafc.co.uk for free tickets.

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