The Palace Ladies put up a spirited fight against superior opposition in the battle to book a last eight place in the FAWPL Plate when they hosted Coventry United at Bromley on Sunday writes chairman Richard Spokes.
A strong performance from a first choice Coventry line up prevented an upset as they controlled large parts of the game and dealt with the windy conditions at Hayes Lane. The visitors scored early in each half against a tireless and determined Eagles side who were missing the influential Freya Holdaway.
Palace did start the match in good fashion, moving the ball very well but were hit by the visitors first dangerous move on six minutes. Following an advantage by the referee, Amber Hughes was set clear on the right and her low cross was converted by Libby Piggott.
Despite the setback, Palace battled well and worked hard to unlock the defence of the Southern Premier League high fliers. Whilst the Eagles frontline have taken many of the plaudits this season, it was the defensive side of the squad that were worthy of the most praise, not least Chanell Yardley in the Palace goal who gave an inspired performance.
Abigail Igbavboa was one of the first to go closest for Palace just after the half hour mark, sending a difficult dropping ball wide of the Coventry goal. The Eagles managed to keep Coventry in their own half for much of the last ten minutes of the first period, but found the defence very hard to break down. During this time, Dani Selmes had a big chance on the counter to double the lead after a fast break but she could not beat Yardley when one on one.
Palace were still very much in the match and started the second half with real attacking intent, seeking to play with the usual front line pace. Igbavboa had a twenty yard effort which flew wide of goal but it was the visitors who found the second goal just after the hour.
Dermody swung in a free kick from wide on the left which Yardley did well to punch away under pressure. However, the ball was crossed back from the opposite flank and Dermody followed up unmarked to volley past the Yardley.
As would be expected, Palace coach Dean Davenport made attacking substitutions and the ladies applied considerable pressure but the Coventry back four, who used their experience and ability, dealt with any test presented.
The final fifteen minutes saw Yardley the busier of the two keepers as Coventry hit Palace on the break, most notably when Yardley made another fine reaction save, from a Selmes close range header. Despite the best Palace effort, the game ended in defeat against a team who had travelled to a fellow Premier League team the previous week and won 4-0.
Speaking exclusively to TEB after the match, Dean Davenport was clearly proud of the efforts made and the way in which the club had been represented;
Every one of the girls should be very proud of the efforts today. We were playing some very good, higher placed opposition, who clearly respected us and put out their first choice team. We have nothing to be ashamed of and everything to be proud of. The score line reflects two lapses of concentration, which highlights how quickly you get punished the higher up you go. This is the standard of opposition we want to be playing every week next season and today we showed that we are not far off one of the better teams.
Coventry are a class act and were quick to praise us and our performance. We know how close we are to many of the teams playing in the league above us, but to hear it from one of the teams who know the level, is really encouraging.
Palace Ladies travel to MK Dons in the first round (proper) of the FA Cup this Sunday. Kick off is 1pm
In a week that has seen us prove our development against the competition we aim to play amongst next season, Palace Ladies would like to thank everyone who is helping and supporting them with these efforts.
Palace Ladies. South London And Proud.
