Football: BIGNOT: TOUGH TIMES AHEAD; WOMEN'S SOCCER.

Byline: ROGER CLARKE 

IF the first season in the Premiership was tough, the next will be even harder according to Birmingham City Ladies manager Marcus Bignot, whose side prepare to take on Charlton at Redditch United today (kick off 2pm).

Blues dismissed mathematical survival doubts by beating already relegated Brighton 3-0 to climb into the top half of the table.

Bignot said: 'We have two games to go and if we can finish fifth that will be great for us. Next year we can look at getting among the top four.

'I have to be really pleased with the team. They have stayed in the Prem and done it comfortably.'

Bristol Rovers have already been promoted from the Southern Premier and Villa are favourites to come up from the Northern.

'Brighton were a very poor side but next year there are no really weak sides so it will be much tougher to stay in the top flight,' said Bignot.

'My only disappointment this year is that we did not reach the cup final. Next year we will be aiming to be in the last four.'

Four is also the number of players Bignot is looking to add to his squad in the close season. He is promising players of proven quality and said: 'I like this squad and I want to develop it.'

Villa manager Duncan Riddle is on the lookout for a defender and a midfielder. He has avoided looking at league tables, preferring to take one game at a time.

He said: 'This squad is strong enough for the Premiership but we still have to win our games.'

Riddle has already made one signing, striker Sally Walton, from Solihull West Midlands Premier outfit Glades. Walton is also an England hockey international.

Villa take on Garswood Saints at Coles Lane today (2pm start) and victory would mean they will have beaten every team in the division and will put even more pressure on faltering leaders Sunderland.

Carly Davis and Nicky Pearson are in Loughborough with Sutton College for the National College Finals and Nathanya Hicks is out with medial ligament damage.

Wolves are away at third placed Oldham Curzon.