Palace Ladies made the long journey to Lowestoft for their penultimate match of a successful season on Sunday writes chairman Richard Spokes.
The hosts, a much improved side since their difficult start to the season, were out to prove a point after they conceded nine goals against Palace last time around.
With everyone finally arrived at the ground head coach Dean Davenport spoke of the task ahead;
‘We keep talking of taking each match as it comes and today is just the next one on the list. It will not be easy in many respects. The girls, whilst doing all they can to remain focused are naturally tiring after such a busy season and, in particular, last few weeks. We are missing a few today and have only travelled with thirteen, but are keen to keep the form going. The pitch will not help us today as it is very firm and typically, for this time of the season, uneven. That is something that affects a slick passing game. However, these are the tests that true champions have to overcome, so I have told the girls that we go as normal. Nothing changes.’
The game kicked off in a brisk breeze, behind the Eagles. As predicted, the usual passing game was effected by the conditions and a determined and diligent defensive line from Lowestoft. Despite the far superior levels of possession for Palace, the score remained goalless until the half hour mark. Varying the tactics, Palace looked to go long from goalkeeper Chanell Yardly whose kick evaded the high defensive line. In a race to the ball that only had one winner, Gemma Bryan applied a deft flick to clear the advancing keeper and nestle in the back of the net.
Palace looked to continue the pressure and convert chances and were further rewarded just before the break, when some industrious and instinctive play by Leanne Bell saw he stab the ball home from close rage to put the Eagles two up at half time.
The second half started with the hosts looking to wrestle back some control, in a performance that belied their league position. However, in doing so, they were left exposed to the counter-attack. With the pace and activity of Bryan and Nicha Dyett up front, the threat was very real and proved definitive when the two combined for Bryan to spring the off-side trap and coolly settle, take a touch and fire home passed the goalkeeper.
Despite the 3-0 lead, the plucky hosts stuck to the task and made Palace pay for taking their foot off the gas. This saw them grab a deserved goal back when hesitation in the defence allowed them in on goal and score.
This glimmer of light inspired Lowestoft to push on and they again benefited when a ball over the top led to a coming together in the box that the referee adjudged to have been a foul by Spokes. The resultant penalty was duly dispatched to set up a potentially tense end to the game.
Palace dug deep into their reserves and fought to retain a grip on the game. This made for a tight affair in the centre of the pitch with an occasional glimpse of quality. However, it was the ever-reliable Bryan who sealed things on as the game entered the final ten minutes. Another superb piece of play, resulting in a clever run, good control and another of many this season, top class finishes into the bottom right corner.
The visitors, to their relief, saw the game out and whilst there was a rightful pride in another victory at the end of the game, it was a somewhat muted affair, through a combination of relief, tiredness and respect for their opponents.
Speaking after the game, Davenport was first to praise the opposition;
‘Lowestoft played very well today and credit to them, because I know how tough things have been for them this season. What they have achieved through any number of issues is fabulous, and we really hope they continue as strongly as today, next season.’
Asked as to his own teams performance, Dean was clearly pleased;
‘In tricky conditions, the girls applied themselves well today. We were not perhaps as cohesive as we would have liked, but I thought the work rate was excellent as was the adaptability shown. Not every match will be as we want it, so we have to deal with things as they happen.’
Asked as to the continuing form of the in form Gemma Bryan, Davenport added;
‘Gemma showed real quality again today. When we needed it most, her touch and finishing was spot on. She has been very consistent over the season and showed it again today. However, as Gemma knows, she is part of a squad, all of whom have been superb for us all season. ‘
Looking ahead to the possibility of what a draw or win would achieve in the last game at Norwich next week, Davenport was his usual grounded self;
‘Plenty of people are doing the talking about going unbeaten for us. Yes, we are close to something special on top of our targets for the season, but we are not really talking about those until it is relevant. The girls have one more game to prepare for and execute. This in a week that sees us receive our league trophy at half time at Selhurst Park in front of the Palace faithful on Saturday! So, the girls will have to be as switched on as ever on Sunday!’
Before the trip to Norwich for the final match of the season on Sunday, Palace Ladies will be presented with the league trophy by the FA Women’s Premier League. This will take place at half time in the Barclays Premier League match against Stoke City on Saturday. A moment that a huge amount of hard work and dedication over a long time fully deserves.
Palace Ladies South London And Proud.
Make sure you grab a copy of the latest edition of the Five Year Plan Fanzine which features an interview with Palace Ladies chairman Richard Spokes. On sale around the ground before the final home game of the season against Stoke City this Saturday.
