As the Palace Ladies head off for their Christmas break after a very successful first half of the season, club chairman Richard Spokes talks exclusively to TEB about the campaign so far and looks ahead.
Before I move on to my review of 2015, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight a game I had the privilege of attending on Sunday.
The hour and a half experience was a perfectly timed illustration of what being a part of Crystal Palace is all about and is the ideal example of what I speak of further on in this article.
This season, our valiant Under 12 Reds have suffered their fair share of upsets. They started the season with an unforeseen lack in squad numbers including no regular goalkeeper. This was rectified as soon as possible and things appeared to be settling down, only for their coach to announce that he was leaving the club.
However, for the core of this committed bunch of players and parents, the heads have been held higher and the Palace passion that we all know so well has never been in doubt. On Sunday, it was not the best start to the game when the nine players available for the nine-a-side game was suddenly reduced to eight, through the absence of an unwell keeper. Central midfielder Rosie took one for the team and started between the sticks, initially with a view to swapping with other players during the match.
The girls were given a game plan by the stand-in coach, geared to their numerical disadvantage and the heavy defeat at the hands of opponents Mole Valley earlier in the season. On a very heavy pitch, to a player, they gave their all with Rosie making saves that would grace any game. Esme, Laila, and Ascala held the back line with bravery and determination. Skye worked tirelessly between defence and midfield in a holding role whilst Mia and Charlotte ran miles to prevent opposition pressure and carve out chances for lone striker Amani.
Amazingly, throughout the first half, the girls fought off everything that was thrown at them by an opposition with three roll on, roll off substitutes. Spurred on by the belief in what could be achieved, against the odds, they went out against the pitch slope and gave more of the same in the second half. With energy levels sapping, the Palace girls dug even deeper, determined to come off the pitch knowing they could have done no more. With a little under quarter of an hour to go came the cruellest of blows when a shot finally made its way through the bodies thrown at it and squeezed in past the diving Rosie.
What we all saw next, was simply inspiring. The girls, rather than see the goal as inevitable, dug even deeper and went again. Determined to show that they may have been down, but were not out. Thwarting wave after wave of attack, they held strong, refusing to give in. With the final minutes approaching, they were encouraged to keep driving forwards and retain the ball as high up the pitch as possible. With the very last reserves of energy almost depleted, they did so. This resulted in the midfielders and striker forcing the opposition into their own area and conceding a late corner.
Whilst this only resulted in a goal kick, the girls kept the high line, attacked from the resulting kick and with the keeper committed to clearing from the edge of her area, charged the ball down which fell to Skye, who somehow found the energy to bury the ball into the back of the net from twelve yards, with just a minute to go.
The scenes on the pitch and touchline were tremendous and concealed so many different emotions, from players, volunteers and families. To the absolute credit of an obviously disappointed Mole Valley, the ovation and credit given to our girls was second to none. Youth football as it should be.
Yes, a late equaliser and point gained was great but this was much more than that. This was a group of players who wholly embraced the ethos of being a Crystal Palace team. A team that fought for each other, fought for the badge in adversity and never gave up. A team which has risen from almost extinction, beaten the odds and can now hold their heads up high amongst good quality opposition, week in week out. Sound familiar?
This is without a doubt a team which can rightfully call themselves Crystal Palace Ladies. South London And Proud.
Crystal Palace Ladies Football Club – 2015 Review
As the calendar year closes for Palace Ladies, it is a great opportunity to reflect on the efforts and progress our growing part of the CPFC brand has made.
Across the club, from our U9s through to our first team, amazing strides have been taken. This is not just about some terrific results and performances, but about the development of our plan, and a very special buzz being created by the most dedicated group of players and volunteers you could ask to find.
From a committee point of view, we are so grateful for everything that those very special people and their families have given to Palace Ladies this year.
Off the pitch, we are working closer than ever with the forward thinking and appreciative board and management at CPFC and we would like to thank them for their belief and trust in us. We have also strengthened our ties with the local community and business sector over the last twelve months and are so grateful for the support being given. Special mention must go to our amazing supporters, to Bromley Football Club and without a doubt, to our three club sponsors – Croydon based Lark Insurance, RoadRunners Minicabs and of course Stephen Browett and the team at Farr Vintners.
As a committee, we set out just under five years ago with a plan. That was to create a sustainable and ever strengthening football club, from junior grassroots level through to a high performing first team, with the ability to move on to the highest
elite levels of women’s football. It is so pleasing to see that the results of this vision and that the incredible hard work of everyone has delivered our aims and more.
This is no better highlighted than taking a look at the first team statistics in the highly competitive FA Women’s Premier League for 2015;
- Played 20
- Won 15
- Drawn 4
- Lost 1
- Goals scored 59
- Goals conceded 14
So, to everyone who has played such an essential part in a memorable 2015, we thank you and wish you all a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season. We look forward to being with you as we look to make 2016 even more memorable.
We are Crystal Palace Ladies. We are South London And Proud.
