Crystal Palace Ladies added further triumph to a terrific season and a week laden with silverware on Thursday evening, as they won the Surrey FA County Cup Final, against local rivals, AFC Wimbledon at Leatherhead Football Club writes club chairman Richard Spokes.
The Eagles who had secured their promotion to the top tier of the FA Women’s Premier League last Sunday were keen to put celebrations on hold and keep the recent form and momentum going. Ahead of the match, Dean Davenport, manager of the Eagles was in good spirits, but remained cautious of the task that lay ahead;
‘We had a fantastic response to the incredible efforts of the girls after Sunday, something that they are all so grateful for. However, we all knew that securing the league title should not be the end of our season. We come here tonight, needing to fully focus and be on our game. AFC Wimbledon are themselves champions, having been promoted to the league that we have just left. They need to be taken very seriously in what is likely to be one of the closest Surrey Cup Finals for a few years.’
With just under 450 fans in the ground, the game kicked off and saw Palace, resplendent in all white, dominate early possession, looking to press the Dons and find an early foothold in the game. Early chances fell to youngster Leanne Bell, whose trickery and poise was a constant threat for the Don’s defence, and also to in-form striker, Gemma Bryan.
With Palace looking to exploit their pace, they stretched the game to the wide areas and it was soon Alma Donohoe who was causing a real threat, down the left wing. It was through Donohoe that Palace were able to take advantage in the eighteenth minute when she beat her full-back and crossed to the right to Bryan who fired across the face of goal, for the on rushing Nicha Dyett to tuck home from close range.
Palace now sought to capitalise on the lead and the vulnerability of their opponents, but were again, left rueing a number of missed opportunities and some excellent defending and goalkeeping. Cheered on by some hugely supportive and lyrically creative fans, the Eagles continued to push on, but always fell just short of the second goal.
The second period started with AFC Wimbledon determined to show that they were a real contender for the trophy. This added to by a more sluggish than usual start by the Eagles, allowed The Dons to capitalise and score an early equaliser through Caroline Bisson. The game was, very much, now on.
In a second half that ebbed and flowed in terms of possession, Palace continued to edge the number of chances, and were again guilty of wasting some of these, including a near perfect team move, that saw a string of first time chances carve open the Wimbledon defence, and the final shot from Bryan, pass agonisingly wide of the post. Pammy McRoberts was also thwarted when her looping, goal-bound header was acrobatically saved by Salgado.
With Wimbledon looking to threaten on the counter-attack, the defensive element of the team, Sarah Jones, McRoberts, Katy Morris and Freya Holdaway needed to remain on their game, successfully neutralising most threats in front of Sam Saint, and subsequently Chanell Yardley in the Palace goal.
Davenport then made some substitutions and tactical changes that allowed the pacey Bryan to exploit the left channel. This, along with the introduction of Jade Davenport on the opposite flank, assisted in creating more opportunities in the penalty area. It was through Bryan that Palace scored their second in the seventy-sixth minute. Following some scintillating wide play, she cut into the box and although her initial path was blocked, she managed to regain the ball, settle and fire high into the net, generating scenes of utter jubilation among players and Palace fans alike.
Determined not to let the lead slip, Palace defended with dedication and determination across the team when needed. With the minutes ticking down, the forward players did their bit too, with clever hold up play and the occasional threat on goal from the irrepressible Rochelle Shakes and clever footwork of Abi Igbavboa.
Despite a valiant effort until the very end, Wimbledon were unable to break Palace down. Upon the final whistle, the joy among the Eagles was clear to see, after what had been a truly worthy final between two, spirited and sporting local rivals, again, proving to anyone who still doubted it, that women’s football is a force and level to be reckoned with.
To rapturous applause and chants from the Palace fans, their team proudly received the trophy from the Surrey FA presentation party, safe in the knowledge that they had achieved a wholly impressive ‘double’ this season.
Speaking after the match, Dean Davenport reflected on the achievement;
‘This is terrific. Not only for these fantastic players and their supporters but also for Crystal Palace Football Club. We have worked so hard over the past few years to get to the position we are now and it is good to see that the faith placed in us has been justified. As far as tonight is concerned, we knew that we would be in for a tough game. Wimbledon are a solid outfit, from a well run club. We told the girls before the game that we needed another performance like those that have seen us through the season. Anything less and a good week could end on a sour note. And, to their credit, they went out and performed. We were finding it tough at times, but what was refreshing to see, was the way in which the girls adapted to what needed. I think, overall, we edged the game, but the score line shows how close it was.’
Asked what was next for the team, he added;
‘We have a few special things lined up, both through Crystal Palace and our own efforts. The players have earned the rewards over a challenging season. However, we do still have three league games left, starting with a tricky game against Cambridge United on Sunday. We have our objectives for these games and will want to achieve them, so whilst it may take a bit of effort to come down off the events of this week, it is back to the plan and back to normal, or as near it as we can, for Sunday.’
Following on from the words of her boss, winning goal scorer and Surrey FA player of the match, Gemma Bryan said;
‘We are all so proud tonight. We have worked hard all season and have earned our two trophies. With the backing of probably the best fans in women’s football and a club that is embracing the vision we have, it is great to deliver on the pitch.’
Asked about her winning goal, Gemma added;
‘I had a few chances and had not managed to put them away, but I always felt that I would get another. With the players I have around me, I know that I will always have a chance of laying a goal on, or scoring. Whilst it is great to get the goal, this is about the effort of an entire squad and one that is proud to be a part of Crystal Palace Football Club.’
The victorious Palace squad – Sam Saint, Chanell Yardley, Sarah Jones, Katy Morris (c), Pammy McRoberts, Lexie Spokes, Alex Elson, Freya Holdaway, Fran Ali, Alma Donohoe, Jade Davenport, Leanne Bell, Leesa Haydock, Abi Igbavboa, Rochelle Shakes, Gemma Bryan, Mary Robinson, Nicha Dyett.
Coaches: Dean Davenport, Clinton Lancaster, Richie Callaghan and Aaron Carter.
Our congratulations to the jubilant double winners on what has been a truly fantastic season. We are extremely proud to be associated with them over the last few years. Stay in touch with the Palace Ladies here on TEB, on Twitter, Facebook and their own website.
