Crystal Palace hold Sunderland to draw in feisty WSL 2 clash
Crystal Palace Women were held to a 1–1 draw with Sunderland Women at the VBS Community Stadium in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2.
Sunderland opened the scoring in the ninth minute when forward, Katy Watson’s effort took a heavy deflection and looped past Palace goalkeeper, Shae Yañez to give the visitors an early lead.
However, Palace hit back just four minutes later, as Kirsty Howat latched onto a through ball from Scottish international, Emma Watson and calmly lifted her finish over the advancing keeper to make it 1–1.
It was a fiery first half, with both sides pressing for control and eager to edge ahead before the break.
Palace looked the stronger in possession but couldn’t find a second goal. Sunderland remained a threat on the counter, though neither side managed to add to the scoreline before the interval.
Pre-Match
Under new manager Jo Potter, Crystal Palace continue to show flashes of potential amid a run of mixed results this season. Palace, who were relegated from the WSL last season, came into this game after a 2–2 home draw with Newcastle United Women, where Howat and Molly Mae Sharpe found the net.
Sunderland arrived in south London looking to bounce back from a 2–0 home defeat to Charlton Athletic Women, in which Jodie Hutton scored twice. The Lasses have shown inconsistent form but remain in the top half of the table.
Both clubs are still searching for consistency as the season develops, but this latest draw leaves them evenly poised in mid-table; they are still in contention to climb higher as their campaigns continue to settle under new leadership.
First Half
Both sides lined up with different tactical approaches: Crystal Palace in a 3-4-1-2, while Sunderland opted for a 4-4-2.
Palace started brightly, pressing high and creating early chances. They twice went close inside the opening minutes, but their shots failed to trouble Grace Moloney in the Sunderland goal.
Against the run of play, Sunderland took the lead in the ninth minute when Watson’s strike deflected off a Palace defender and wrong-footed Yañez.
Palace responded immediately. Just four minutes later, Howat was played through by Watson and showed great composure to lift her finish over Grace Maloney to bring Palace level.
The home side dominated possession from there, with Justine Vanhaevermaet strong in midfield and Ashleigh Weerden causing problems on the left. Sunderland’s Natasha Fenton worked tirelessly in midfield, helping the visitors stay compact and organised.
Palace pushed for a second, forcing Moloney into action several times, while Yañez made a sharp save late in the half to deny Sunderland a second goal.
An energetic, end-to-end opening 45 minutes ended level at 1–1, with both teams showing intent but unable to find a breakthrough.
Second Half
The second half began in a similar fashion: even, physical, and hard-fought. Palace looked to build on their first-half momentum but struggled to create clear chances against a well-drilled Sunderland defence.
Sunderland tested Yañez from long range effort in the 48th minute, but the Palace keeper handled it comfortably.
Palace continued to push, with Weerden and Sharpe both seeing efforts blocked inside the area, while Sunderland remained dangerous on the counter through Watson and Dale.
Neither side was able to find the finishing touch. Sunderland saw a late effort fly just over the bar, before Palace almost snatched victory deep into stoppage time, but a last-ditch defensive block denied them.
After six minutes of added time, the referee’s whistle confirmed a share of the spoils. The match ended 1–1, a fair result after a fiercely contested encounter.
What’s next
Crystal Palace host Ipswich Town Women next Sunday in the Subway Women’s League Cup, while Sunderland travel to face Sheffield United in the same competition.
Both fixtures are crucial in their qualification to the knockouts of the competition, especially with some Barclays Women’s Super League sides to face throughout the group stage.