Crystal Palace take the spoils in the South London derby

Crystal Palace have taken the South London derby bragging rights with a 1-0 victory at Charlton Athletic this afternoon.

With four games of the season remaining, both sides were looking to change their recent form with neither able to record a win in recent games.

The sun came out as the game kicked-off and Charlton Athletic dominated the early possession. The Addicks recorded two shots in the first 10 minutes, both of which were sent over the bar by the boot of Elise Hughes.

Against the run of play, it was Crystal Palace who took the lead in the 23rd minute when Coral Haines found herself in space on the edge of the area and she fired the ball into the top corner. Haines had been the brightest spark for Palace and took the goal well.

The goal gave Palace confidence and led to more attacking play from them but they seemed largely happy to absorb the pressure from the hosts. The Eagles were strong and organised in defence with Charlton Athletic never really troubling Emily Orman in the Palace goal despite continuing to dominate possession.

Early on in the second half, Charlton Athletic boss Karen Hills brought on Sophie Quirk and Katie Robinson which increased The Addicks’ attacking intensity, making much better use of the wings.

In the 63rd minute, Palace almost got a second goal through Molly-Mae Sharpe but for a great low stop by Eartha Cummings in the Charlton Athletic goal.

The last 20 minutes saw the action largely confined to the Palace half as The Addicks threw everything into finding an equaliser. The visitors’ defence held strong though and Orman only had routine saves to make.

Charlton Athletic, despite their work-rate, were unable to find a way through a disciplined Palace defence. They now find themselves in seventh position in the FA Women’s Championship table and they are without a win in their last five league games. The Addicks’ last three games are not easy and after their positive start to the season, they will be disappointed with their form. Their next game is against London City Lionesses on Sunday.

Crystal Palace move up to fourth in the FA Women’s Championship table and look on course for their best league finish for the second season in a row. Their game plan worked and things look good for The Eagles. Next up for them are Blackburn Rovers and third place is still within reach if results go their way.

Sian Wallis

I am a Tottenham Hotspur writer and matchday reporter for FA Women’s Super League Full-Time.

https://fawslfulltime.co.uk/2022/03/27/crystal-palace-take-the-spoils-in-the-south-london-derby/