With the very latest from the Palace Ladies FC here is chairman Richards Spokes to talk us through their week.
A weekend of small steps or great strides?
Whilst the men’s club made a fantastic step forwards in their bid to achieve what some “experts” said was impossible; last weekend saw our Ladies take similar strides towards their aim. Promotion. With many opponents now only having one or two games left to play, it is time to convert our handful of games in hand into valuable points.
Last Sunday saw a trip down the A23 to Hassocks. In terms of league position, most would have seen this as a banker for The Eagles. However, before the match, Dean Davenport was keen to point out
“These are the games that can cost teams at the top. Every opponent needs the right respect and we must trust in what has got us to where we are now.”
On an unforgiving and tired pitch and against some very physical opposition, The Ladies set about what was needed. The conditions, opposition tactics and a few jitters seemed to affect Palace in the early exchanges, with a settled pattern hard to find, not helped with losses such as Sophie Kemp to concussion after a kick to the head. As the half progressed Palace created the best opportunities to score only to find that composure let them down or an inspired Hassocks ‘keeper kept the score at 0-0.
As the game entered the second half with a number of tactical shuffles by Davenport, Palace stepped up the pressure, with Hassocks only counter-attacking on a seldom basis. With opposition defensive tackles getting stronger and more desperate, Palace moved closer to what was needed. Finally came the breakthrough that was needed and deserved. Following good work down the left, Sarah Tuffey received the ball on the edge if the area, shifted it from left to right foot and netted into the far corner beyond the stranded ‘keeper.
Palace maintained the pressure winning numerous corners and free-kicks, one as a result of a horror tackle on goal scorer Tuffey that will see her likely to miss the next game, but were unable to add to the tally. Hassocks rarely troubled Sam Sharp who was well protected by a strong back four. On the final whistle, Davenport reflected that
“This was a game that seemed destined to never be full of goals. Likewise, it could have been one that ended with none. What we did today, was dig out the three points. And where we are now, that is the most important thing. The girls did well today. Yes we can play better, but sometimes you have to win ugly.”
Looking forwards to next weeks game at home to second place Maidstone, Dean commented
“On our own pitch with the squad we have and the promise of some vocal support, we are looking forwards to playing Maidstone. We won a close one at their place earlier in the season and expect a good game on Sunday.” Asked about the injuries to Kemp, Davenport (hamstring) and Tuffey, The Boss said “we will have to wait and see how the week goes, but we do have players returning in the form of Amy White and Fran Ferrari, so will see how we get on at training and the physio room!”
The Eagles entertain Maidstone at The National Sports Centre Stadium, Crystal Palace on Sunday 13th May. Kick off 1400. All support welcome.
The league as it stands (20 game season)
Pld. Pts
1. London Corinthians. 18. 42
2. Maidstone Utd. 19. 38
3. CRYSTAL PALACE. 14. 36
Elsewhere across the club, we wish our under 16s all the best in their league cup final at Merstham FC on Sunday. Kick off 1030.
The Crystal Palace Ladies FC Open Trials will take place in between 9th and 18th May. Full details will be on the club website this week (www.crystalpalaceladiesfc.co.uk)
