The Eagles fly back into the WSL with six-goal statement
Crystal Palace finished second in the Women’s Super League 2 (WSL) this season after their 6-1 thrashing of 12th-placed Portsmouth secured them promotion to the Women’s Super League 1 after a year's break.
After a close title race with Palace tied on points with Birmingham City in the table this season, the Eagles ensured they had the game in hand with Molly Sharpe coolly levelling the score in the first half after Meg Hornby put the visitors ahead.
It was total dominance after the break, with Palace in total control after a double from Ashleigh Weerden and a triple threat from Kirsty Howat and Annabel Blanchard, with Elise Hughes hitting for six.
After what seemed to be a slow start for both teams, Palace really clicked into gear, finishing their final WSL2 game with style and cementing their return to the top flight with a clinical display of attacking football.
Pre- match
Portsmouth headed into the match with one win, a draw and four losses after a mixed season, which left the team bottom of the table following defeats to Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United, whereas Palace were in much stronger form, winning five of their last six games with one draw and no losses, including victories against Ipswich Town and Sunderland AFC.
Their winning streak placed them third in the table, behind Birmingham on 41 points, while Charlton Athletic were leading the pack with 42 points. However, Portsmouth had the advantage last season as they defeated Palace 2-1 in 2025. Before kick-off, there was an opportunity to celebrate Blanchard’s 100 appearances for the Eagles.
First half
Palace kicked off the match with a great start, getting on the ball and finding pockets of space, but conceded an early goal when Hornby struck the ball from long range to put Pompey 1-0 up. Both teams created chances, piling on the pressure, with Weerden being a key threat inside the box, but failed to convert opportunities.
Pompey came close to doubling their lead with another chance, controlling more up the pitch, but Palace’s solid defence kept them at bay. The Eagles continued to press forward, but many of their attacks broke down, with several balls going out of play. Their persistence later paid off as Sharpe tore across the pitch and slotted the ball home, making it 1-1.
Palace were much sharper later on in the half, making promising runs down the pitch, with Weerden being one of the standout players, but they struggled to convert. It was a slow start, with both teams attempting to find their rhythm as Portsmouth tried to respond to Palace’s attack, but it went nowhere.
Blanchard then pushed forward with a header, but it went over the net, despite the Eagles being more threatening in possession. A big moment saw Abbie Larkin in a one-to-one situation with Jess Gray, but it was easily saved. Both teams attempted to go further, but it remained level at the break.
Halftime: Crystal Palace 1- Portsmouth 1.
Second half
It was a livelier second half, with the Eagles maintaining their consistency and dominance in possession, with Weerden getting her first goal of the game in the 46th minute with a left-footed shot on the left side of the box, putting the team ahead.
Palace looked more confident and sharper in attack, building momentum off their goal while Pompey struggled to pressurise the Eagles, leaving the defence untroubled despite several promising moments. Weerden then added a double for Palace in the 54th minute, where her long-range effort struck the net, with Howat adding a fourth soon after.
The home side continued to pile pressure on Pompey, with the visitors largely kept at arm’s length. Palace’s dominance continued late in the half when Blanchard finished one-on-one after a well-timed pass from Hughes to make it 5-1. Palace then added a sixth with Hughes getting on the scoresheet herself after a long ball forward.
Late on, Portsmouth made a few more attempts but were repeatedly denied by Shae Yañez. Palace also went close to extending the scoreline further, but could not add a seventh. It was a dominant second-half display for the Eagles, who stepped up after a relatively quiet first half while Pompey ran out of steam as the game progressed.
Full time: Crystal Palace 6-1 Portsmouth.
What it means
The Eagles return to the topflight of English football for the 2026/27 season, following final day dominance against Portsmouth. With a slip-up from Charlton Athletic, losing 2-0 to Birmingham City, they must settle for the playoff spot. Meanwhile Birmingham and Palace automatically earn promotion to the WSL in first and second place.
Now, Palace look to strengthen their squad over the summer and build upon this momentum as they prepare for a tough season back in the WSL.