The Eagles remain in the WSL promotion race with narrow victory over the Robins
Crystal Palace Women moved into fourth place in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 after an emphatic 2-1 win over Bristol City at the VBS Community Stadium.
Palace, who had mixed results so far this season, looked to go one better than their rivals after their recent loss to Southampton. It was a close call between the teams in the league, with only four points separating them.
Bristol, who were leading the pack in third place, headed confidently into the match, with two wins and one draw under their belt.It certainly looked that way for the Robins, as they were dominant across all competitions, with the team ahead of the Eagles on goal difference.
However, Palace had the last laugh as they beat them 3-2 in their last meeting.
With both teams getting off to a flying start this season, this game was set to be a classic thriller.
First half
Lining up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, Palace focused on their defence, with recent goal scorers Molly Sharpe and Kirsty Howat forming the back line.
Annabel Blanchard started from the front, providing strong options in attack, while Ashleigh Weerden and Sharpe added strength on the wings.
Goalkeeper Lauren Brzykcy was between the sticks for the Robins, while Katie Robinson and Emily Syme dominated midfield, with Gemma Lawley further up field.
For the Eagles, captain Aimee Everett marked a milestone, celebrating her 100th appearance for the team before kick-off.
Bristol proved their dominance with a string of attempts, but none came close.
Palace attempted to break down the Robin's defence, but could not clip it, with Weerden and Everett providing most of the attack.
After several attempts, the Robins eventually found their rhythm, where forward Lexi Lloyd-Smith broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, giving the team the lead.
Palace pushed hard in search of an equaliser, with Weerden looking dangerous in front of goal, but their shots were run out by Brzykcy.
Bristol remained composed and in control for much of the half, while Palace began to lose steam in the final third. Despite creating another promising opportunity in a crowded penalty area, Palace were unable to capitalise.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 38th minute when Abbie Larkin levelled the score. She raced through one-on-one with the goalkeeper and calmly slotted a low shot into the net to make it 1-1.
Both teams pushed for an advantage, but neither could find a decisive finish.
Half time: Crystal Palace 1-1 Bristol City.
Second half
Palace continued to test the Robins’ defence, but their shots were well handled by Brzykcy.
Opportunities for the team followed, with a close-range shot saved by the goalkeeper after a strong defensive challenge.
Bristol then made a good run forward, but it was ruled offside.
Palace created another close chance when Sharpe delivered a cross to Blanchard, who shot wide. The team then broke through as Blanchard set up Weerden to score from long range and make it 2-1.
Palace tried to press to their advantage, but their next effort went out of play. The team remained dominant in the attacking area, though they were wasteful with several chances. They came close again but failed to convert.
Bristol then searched for an equaliser, but their shot was caught comfortably by Jessica Shae Yañez.
Full time: Crystal Palace 2-1 Bristol City.
What's next
The Eagles face Birmingham City away at St Andrew’s on the 16th of February (19:00 KO), while Southampton take on Southampton on 15th February (2 PM KO).
Crystal Palace remain in fourth place in the league, with 25 points. Whereas Bristol City stay in the top three, with 26 points to their name.
The race for promotion is certainly exciting, with uncertainty over who will secure a top two finish, and who will be in that third place play-off spot.