Palace take Three Points from a Spirited Watford Side in Cup Opener

Crystal Palace avoided a tense draw as they edged out to a comfortable 1-0 win over Watford in Round 1 of the Subway Women's Players Cup at the VBS Community Stadium, securing their first win of the tournament.

A late goal by Shannon O’Brien in the second half was enough for the Eagles, as they looked to bounce back after a series of heavy defeats left the team searching for answers and goals.

Watford looked to pull one back in stoppage time but it was ruled out for offside, with the hosts emerging victorious in the end. 

Pre match

Catlin Cosme made her debut for the Eagles in midfield, hoping to impress, bringing her star quality to the table after her recent signing from FC Nantes this month. Amy Monynihan also made history as the first academy product to feature for the starting XI in any game for the women’s senior side. 

Both teams were hoping to improve after recent performances in the season so far (two losses and draws and one win for Palace) and hoped this result could turn things around for them.

The hosts, who set up in a 3-4-3 formation, focused on a solid defence, with Ashleigh Weerden, Sierra Enge and Molly Sharpe leading the backline. Allyson Swaby and Abbie Larkin, who were standout stars for the team in their last few performances for the club, formed the front, 

Watford, however, lined up in a 3-5-2, tracking their midfield, with Aiobheann Clancy, Karin Muya and Poppy Wilson who impressed for the Golden Girls in their last match, and Tiana Teiser and Phoebie Poole leading the pack. 

There was no room for Madison Perry or Safia Middleton- Patel, who dropped to the bench after starting in their last match, with Naomi Wiliams in goal for the Golden Girls. 

In their last meeting in 2023, Palace won 3-0 against the Hornets, with goals from Kirsten Reilly, Araya Dennis and Elise Hughes, with the Eagles more dominant in all competitions. 

First half 

It was a slow start for both teams, Watford making lovely runs across the wing and heading towards goal, while Palace’s long balls ensured they had the advantage over their opponents but could not finish their chances. 

Watford attempted to pile more pressure, being more direct and playing defensively well, but were caught out by Shae Yañez.  A brilliant chance by Bethany England early on in the half was a highlight as she looked to make something out of it, but found herself tested by the opposition, with Larkin coming close as she lobbied the ball over the net. 

It was more energetic as the half went on, with Watford finding pockets of space in the final third and having several shots on target. Teiser aimed to claim a goal via a cross through the Palace defence, while Wilson and Cosme were more dangerous upfront for the hosts but needed to be more clinical in front of goal. 

There were several golden opportunities for the two teams to take the lead, Teiser pulling forward towards goal and Larkin going toe to toe with Williams, giving Palace a much needed confidence boost, but was ruled out for offside. 

The Eagles attempted to get another one back from a corner, but Watford’s defence held firm, with Teiser getting into the box twice, defending well and creating good runs in front of goal through England.  Williams made a good save to deny Watford, but they were quickly on the rebound, with another save needed to deny Palace. 

A lovely pass by Cosme to Swaby saw her lob the ball beautifully, but it sailed over the bar, while Sharpe charged onto a long ball and Weerden chipped it through the Watford defence, only to be denied by Williams, who had impressed so far.

A good run by Palace saw the ball booted over, with the Eagles still needing that final finish. The hosts started well, but needed to push forward and be more clinical in their half, with Tiesar darting into the box, creating the last opportunity before the break. 

Half time: Crystal Palace 0-0 Watford 

Second half 

Palace were much stronger after halftime, continuing to run forward and creating good chances, the hosts attacking well on the wing. 

Sharpe and Weerden continued to be a threat out wide, with Sharpe producing one of the Eagles’s strongest efforts this half, with another run into the area, although they were unable to find the target. 

Watford tried to break forward, but were caught out by Yañez, Palace having another opportunity from a corner but it fizzled out. 

The hosts attacked down the wing again, with Hayley Nolan charging forward, but the Golden Girls defended excellently well, with substitute goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel making several important saves. 

The Hornets drove forward with several shots, while Palace continued to press at the other end, creating a close chance around the 71st minute. Their goalkeeper sent a long ball forward but slipped, nearly allowing Palace to score, before the chance was eventually caught. 

Watford counterattacked, but Palace defended well, with several missed opportunities late on the half, with the Eagles continuing to cause problems for the visitors, making strong runs and piling pressure on their defence. 

Palace came close to finding a breakthrough, with their reward coming in the 82nd minute where Sharpe headed the ball towards O’Brien, who struck it from long range, making it 1-0. 

Rejuvenated by their goal, Palace continued to push forward but were denied by Middleton-Patel, with Saoirse Noonan attempting to find an equaliser, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

Full time: Crystal Palace 1-0 Watford

What’s Next?

After a spirited performance from the Golden Girls, they reset and prepare to go again on Sunday against a strong Sunderland side in the Barclays WSL2.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace return to WSL action away against another newly-promoted side in Amy Merricks’ Birmingham City.