The Palace Ladies extended their unbeaten league form to within two games of the end of the season on Sunday with an impressive win over Cambridge United.
The match was also notable for another, very important reason. It was the very first time the Palace Ladies played a league game at the spiritual home of the Eagles, Selhurst Park.
In a sign of how the Ladies are progressing and how Crystal Palace Football Club is embracing and supporting the women’s game, the match, on what was already a huge day for Palace, was given the go ahead to take place at SE25, With every facility usually provided for the men’s team, the ladies settled in very quickly to their new surroundings.
Ahead of the match Dean Davenport, manager of Palace Ladies, acknowledged that the girls had to work harder than ever to make the occasion the success they deserved it to be;
‘We have had an incredible week and today is a perfect end to it. With this being our third game in seven days, I know we are asking a lot of the girls. With all the nervous tension and adrenalin of the league title being secured on Sunday, and the Surrey FA Cup being won on Thursday, there could understandably be some tiredness creeping in. Having said that, I have just seen the pitch and the reaction of the players upon arrival and have no doubt that they will keep the standards high.’
Asked as to the opposition, Dean was appreciative of their abilities;
‘Cambridge are a good set-up and have shown that against us earlier in the season when we drew with them. This will not be an easy affair and they will come here looking to prove their credentials. What we must appreciate is that today’s game goes ahead on Selhurst Park, thanks to Cambridge agreeing to the venue and kick off time.’
The match kicked off with Palace looking to use the surface and space to their advantage, retaining possession in long spells, seeking to break down a diligent and well drilled visiting defence. There were times where the occasion appeared to affect the players, although the qualities that Palace have become known for over the season were soon apparent. After a few initial forays into the Cambridge penalty area, the Eagles broke through when Abi Igbavboa danced through the midfield, laid it on to Rochelle Shakes who then fed wide to Alma Donohoe cutting in from the left. The resulting shot was blocked by the keeper, but fell to Igbavboa who had continued her run, to slot home from eight yards.
History was made as the first ever Palace Ladies league goal was scored at Selhurst Park.
Whilst Palace continued to dominate possession with some good passing and movement, Cambridge were not without their threats. They looking to hit the Eagles on the counter, going close on one occasion when the quick thinking of Channel Yardley forced the player through on goal to shoot wide.
Palace continued to press and went close through Igbavboa,who headed just wide from a corner. This was followed by a powerful run by leading scorer Gemma Bryan who was fouled by the keeper and awarded a penalty. Bryan dusted herself down to take the spot kick, but saw it saved well and cleared away to safety.
The half ended with no further goals scored.
In the second half, Palace settled and looked to express themselves. Making the most of the superior conditions, the Eagles moved their possession deeper into the opposition half. With twenty minutes left to play, a through ball from captain Katy Morris found Shakes with her back to goal, thirty yards out. She controlled the ball, expertly turned her marker, and fed into Bryan on the edge of the box. Surrounded by three defenders, she took a touch, swivelled and struck a wonder shot over the keeper. The ball cannoned off the bar and bounced over the line.
A few minutes later Palace scored a goal that typified their efforts this season and would grace any game at Selhurst Park. With the imperious Freya Holdaway receiving the ball just inside the Cambridge half, she fed the advancing defender. Sarah Jones worked a lovely one-two with Donohoe before supplying a sublime pass on the outside of the right foot into the box. The awaiting Bryan, who received the ball on her left foot, spun, and with the same foot, hammered home into the roof of the net from seven yards out.
Whilst Palace were comfortable, Cambridge continued to seek opportunities, their best following a fine run and thrity yard shot that just cleared the Palace crossbar.
The game ended 3-0 to Palace on a day that will live long in the memory for all involved. Speaking after the match, Davenport was naturally happy with the result;
‘Whilst we took a while to settle, with the natural excitement of playing on a Premier League ground, we did look good for long periods of the match today. Cambridge are a good, honest and hard working team and we knew that we would have to play well to beat them. The width and quality of the pitch suited us and I felt that at times, we played some of our best football.’
Asked as to a highlight, he added;
‘Other than being at the home of Crystal Palace, I think it was the third goal. It was a classic passing move, throughout the pitch, involving some expansive and adventurous play from Sarah, a lovely little flick from Alma and a finish that would grace any match from Gemma. Having said that, what really pleased me was the efforts of everyone in the squad at the end of a busy week. We have shown that we can play three matches in a week and succeed. This to me is testament to everyone involved and their willingness to be part of the wider squad.’
After bagging another two in the match, Gemma Bryan commented;
‘It was a great experience to play here today and something that all of us are grateful for. It is another good three points for the girls and we stay focused on the two games that remain. Yes, it was good to score a couple today and I could have had a hat-trick, but more importantly, this is about what we are achieving as a squad and club. It is something very exciting.’
Present at the match as ever was chairman Richard Spokes who was keen to praise more than just the team;
‘Being at Selhurst Park today has come about as a result of the belief and respect that we have from within Crystal Palace Football Club. In addition to the on-going efforts to help support us, this opportunity has come about due to a lot of effort from within the club, at very short notice. And all of this on a weekend when the focus is on Wembley and the FA Cup semi-final. We are immensely grateful for being given the chance and know that we have done them proud. Hopefully, we can come back soon when the opportunity exists to bring our fans along and make it an even better experience. In the meantime, we are all off to Wembley to back the boys!’
Palace Ladies are on the road for their final two matches of the FAWPL season. First up is a trip to Lowestoft on Sunday and then, a week later, to Norwich City.
Details of the matches will be posted on the official Palace Ladies website and Twitter.
