It was a disappointing result for Palace Ladies against an in form Sheffield United side who have won 11 of their last 12 games dating back to last season, especially after Palace have won the last two on the bounce to Lewes and Leicester respectively. With Palace controlling the game early on, it was the Blades who opened the scoring against the run of play as Jade Pennock beat the offside trap to slot beyond the keeper Lucy Gillett. Palace soon replied from a through ball latched onto by Madga Mosengo. However, seconds later the Blades retook the lead from Pennock again as she lobbed the ball over the Palace keeper after a lapse in concentration. ‘To give another goal away through a missed place pass was a killer just before half time which really killed our momentum’ said Davenport, Palace Ladies Manager.

 

It only took Sheffield United 10 minutes to extend their lead as Fergusson bundled home following Palace’s failure to clear a shot from Hartley. As the second half progressed, Palace found it hard to create chances which were few and far and goals from Sarri and Pennock’s third goal sealed the deal for Sheffield United to continue their winning run. ‘At times we lost shape, the momentum had changed to Sheffield and we were constantly on the back foot’ admitted Davenport who ultimately believed they deserved better from the game, especially after the first half performance. Up next for Palace is a cup game against Chelsea which should provide a tough test for them. ‘It is a game we are not expected to win or get anything out of the game. For me and the staff all we will look for is the correct mindset and that the players show a response from today’s result’.  

 

Daniel Lambert