It was another frustrating weekend for Palace Ladies as the first team season stalled again, without a ball being kicked.
The continued unprecedented winter rainfall put paid to yet another fixture for Palace and a number of other teams in the title chase.
Speaking exclusively to TEB shortly after the match was postponed, manager Dean Davenport admitted his disappointment;
It really is very frustrating but is well out of our hands. The grounds team at Bromley are among the best and always do what they can for us, however, there are times where it is a battle that cannot be won. So here we are, having tried any number of alternatives, with no game.
Asked what he had hoped for from the visit of Norwich, Dean added;
The main thing for me today would have been how we reacted to the performance last Sunday. Whilst we got out of jail in terms of the result, there were many things to learn and it would have been good to see what was learned from the game and our work in the week.
Despite the disappointment, Dean was immediately focused on the County Cup semi-final on Sunday.
We host a team that are not well known to us at Bromley next week. This will be our chance to reach a cup final and whilst our efforts for the league title are the main focus of the season, we are keen to achieve our best in all competitions we enter. One thing we will not be doing is taking Milford and Witley lightly. There is no doubt that they will come here and give everything, so that is what we need to do, particularly as we look to the following week and a crucial league game at Gillingham.
Away from the first team, the reserves earned plaudits of their own on Sunday when they travelled to South London rivals Charlton athletic who are the reigning reserve league champions. In what was always going to be a tough game for the Eagles, the youngsters put in a terrific showing, holding the Addicks at bay until excruciatingly late in the match. With only a couple of minutes to go, the Palace defences were finally breached and the hosts grabbed the three points with the only goal of the game.
Speaking exclusively to TEB after the match, reserve team head coach Wes Tracey spoke proudly of his team;
The girls did so well today. They deserved to take a point, just on effort and commitment alone. This Charlton team came to us earlier in the season and walked away 5-0 winners. So despite the disappointment of the loss, we are very proud of the squad and hugely pleased with the development being shown. This squad is all about supporting the first team and making players ready for that next step. Today, we could see that real progress is being made.
Wes and the squad play away at Spurs next Sunday, the final preparation for the biggest game of their season, the following weekend when they make the trip to Bradford City in the reserve League Cup semi-final. Unfancied by many in the national competition, the Eagles may travel as underdogs, but will be certain to give their all.
Across the club, twenty-two teams involving three hundred and twenty players of all ages continue to represent Palace Ladies every week. Palace Ladies are currently involved in the pilot of a national scheme called ‘Grow Our Club’ to help promote involvement in women’s football. As well as the playing side of things, the Eagles are working hard to prove that watching their games or getting involved in club life can be not only entertaining, but hugely rewarding.
Speaking exclusively to TEB about the initiative, club chairman Richard Spokes said;
If you have never visited one of our matches, why not give it a go? We offer good, entertaining football, in a friendly environment with great facilities. We also offer unique weekly opportunities, with our younger visitors being able to take part as match day mascots and all guests being welcome to meet and greet our players after the games. At Palace Ladies, we look to make sure that everyone is able to be a special part of our match day experience.
As mentioned above, Palace host Milford and Witley Ladies in the Surrey FA County Cup semi-final this Sunday at Bromley Football Club, Hayes Lane, BR2 9EF. Gates and facilities open at 12.30pm with kick off at 2pm. Entry is £3 for adults and under 16s go free.
Catch up with club captain Katy Morris as she introduces the Palace Ladies Match Day Information Video Guide on the Palace Ladies YouTube channel CPLFC.TV;
