Chelsea target cup and offer ticket deal (From Kingston Guardian)

Chelsea target cup and offer ticket deal

11:47am Thursday 25th August 2011 in Chelsea By Matt Maltby

Chelsea Ladies manager Matt Beard will use this Sunday’s season finale against Everton as a preparation for the summer’s Continental Cup.

After a disappointing second-half of the season, which has seen Chelsea win only once in their last six outings, Beard has admitted the current campaign has not lived up to expectations, with ambitions of a top four finish eventually falling out of their grasp.

And Beard, whose team lost 1-0 to Bristol Academy Ladies last Thursday, will give some youngsters a run-out against Everton as he looks to finalise his squad for the cup, a new knockout competition next month involving all eight Women’s Super League teams.

“It would be nice to finish the season on a high and beat one of the biggest teams in Everton,” he said.

“A top four finish was our ambition but for one reason or another it didn’t happen and we have to move on.

“I will look to mix the squad up on Sunday and play some of the fringe players who have worked hard to get an opportunity.

“With the Continental Cup coming up, hopefully it will give me some food for thought.”

Fans will be allowed to pay what they think their ticket is worth on Sunday as part of the Super League’s Call the Shots programme, which aims to make the league the most interactive in the world.

There will also be an appearance by Charlotte Lade, the international freestyle footballer and world record holder, as well as other activities including a dads’ and daughters’ penalty shoot-out.