The Palace Ladies were in FA Cup action on Sunday, away at fellow Premier League competitors Denham Ladies, aiming to get to a round of the competition that is always followed by the word ‘proper’ writes chairman Richard Spokes.
The Eagles were victors in the league fixture earlier in the season, and whilst were probably seen a favourites going into this game, they knew the test would be tough. In a competition where Palace have won many plaudits over the past two seasons, reaching the fourth round in both the last two years, expectations were high.
Ahead of the match, Palace boss Dean Davenport recognised the scale of the task ahead:
Denham will be tough. They play at the same league level as us and will be out to put one over us today.
Asked about the playing conditions following a week of intense rain, Dean added:
The pitch passed an inspection this morning, but is likely to suffer as the game goes on. On days like today, it is down to us to do what is necessary and come away with the result.
The game saw Palace look to make the most of the early pitch conditions and set about their work in efficient and dominant fashion. Putting Denham on the back foot, the Eagles used their width and forward pace to good effect, with a combination of Rochelle Shakes and Gemma Bryan causing their defence plenty of concern.
It was this combination that created the opening goal for Palace after ten minutes. Bryan was set through by an exquisite Shakes pass that split the defence with the keeper to beat. This was almost completed but thwarted by the Denham number one clumsily bringing down the Palace forward. A penalty was awarded with, surprisingly to most, no action taken against the offending keeper who took her place between the sticks to face the spot kick. It was Freya Holdaway who stepped up to convert to put Palace one up.
With the pitch slowly showing signs of degrading, Palace pushed on in search of the second. The efforts were not wasted and ten minutes after the first, Pam McRoberts created space and crossed perfectly for the on-rushing Shakes who expertly crashed a volley home from sixteen yards.
Two goals up and the Eagles were comfortable, but gave the hosts a glimmer of hope shortly before the break. The Palace defence was breached and the Denham forward raced through on goal, slotting the ball past Sam Saint.
Half time saw Davenport ask the players to manage the game based on the deteriorating pitch. Retain the ball, restrict the movement and possession of the opposition and when available, exploit any opportunities that arose.
The second forty-five minutes saw the hosts look to do the same, hoping to get that one opportunity to grab an equaliser. The natural result was two teams, hampered by a pitch resembling a quagmire, cancelling each other out. Palace, as requested by Davenport, held strong and saw the game out for a hard earned win and progression to the first round proper.
Speaking after the game, Davenport spoke of his relief at getting through a tough task:
With the pitch in good shape, we were able to play our better football. There was some good early passing and incisive team work from everyone. We had asked the girls to make the most of the early conditions and the two early goals were spot on.
Asked if he was surprised by the keeper staying in the pitch, he added:
We have certainly seen people sent off for less this season, but we just needed to go with the decision and make sure there were no excuses. Freya did what was needed from the spot and it helped set us on our way. This was backed up by continued pressure from across the team and a very good goal from Shakes, who showed a touch of class with that volley.
Davenport spoke about the rest of the match particularly not keeping a clean sheet:
It was frustrating to concede before half time and that only served to show the benefit of our second goal. We spoke at half time about closing Denham down on a pitch that was clearly suffering and the discipline and work ethic from the group was very pleasing. Today was as much about the result as anything else, and we are in the hat for the first round proper. Credit to the girls on a job well done.
Before heading back round the M25, Davenport was keen to add some further good news:
We are so proud that our very own Pam McRoberts has been asked to join up with the Northern Ireland training camp ahead of their forthcoming match with Sweden. This is testament to the season that Pam is having and another sign of how our club is developing. We would all like to congratulate Pam and wish her the very best.
The reward for the Eagles was not the kindest in the draw on Monday, with an away trip to the old adversary MK Dons in December. Before then, Palace play in the Surrey County Cup at Bromley on Sunday, followed by a league home game seven days later against Lowestoft.
With fixtures coming thick and fast, Palace Ladies would like to thank everyone who continues to show their support for the efforts being made. It is all greatly appreciated.
