Women's Report: Saints 1-2 Crystal Palace

A chaotic first half saw Isabeal Atkinson open the scoring in the twenty-first minute, with Elise Hughes extending the visitors’ lead just before the break.

A big goal from captain Lucia Kendall put Saints back in the running in the second half, but the chances for an equaliser did not come quickly enough for Marieanne Spacey-Cale’s side.

An unchanged side from last week's win against Sheffield United lined up at St Mary's Stadium for the promotion-chasing clash.

Saints were unchanged at St Mary's. (Photos: Isabelle Field)

The Eagles saw the first chance of the game, with a free kick into the box headed away by Katie Wilkinson.

Atkinson was on-target in the fifth minute, but her attempt was blocked comfortably by Saints’ goalkeeper Kayla Rendell.

The visitors continued to push towards goal, as Southampton did well to defend. Shannade Hopcroft soon sent a shot over the bar, as Palace threatened to open the scoring.

Spacey-Cale’s side began to force the guests back into their own half, but struggled to create chances of their own.

Rendell was called into action again in the 15th minute. Annabel Blanchard’s powerful strike was brilliantly tipped over in an impressive showing from the goalkeeper. 

Another chance in quick succession for the away side saw Atkinson send another shot towards goal, with Rendell making yet another big save. 

A clearance from Demi Lambourne saw the Saints back in possession, but Palace were quick to challenge and launch a counterattack. 

At the other end, Atkinson seized a big opportunity for the Eagles. Her well-thought-out run and strong finish meant the strike was beyond the reach of Rendell, as Palace took the lead in the 21st minute. 

After a foul on Wilkinson, Jemma Purfield’s promising ball into the box was sent away by Palace, with a second attempt fired into the hands of Lambourne.

Primus found herself in a good position just outside of the box, but was put under pressure by Palace’s defence. A cross into the box from Wilkinson had no-one to finish it, as the home side looked to equalise.

A central attempt from Hughes for the Eagles was well-blocked by Milly Mott. Three minutes were then added on, and the Saints fought for a goal of their own. Wilkinson found with Sophia Pharoah’s in the box, but her strike was caught comfortably by Lambourne.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 47th minute after Lexi Potter’s strike came off the woodwork, and Hughes was there to send the rebound straight down the middle and into the back of the net. 

Spacey-Cale’s side looked more promising from the first touch of the second half. A corner for the Eagles was cleared, and Milly Mott managed to hold onto possession as Palace pressed in a dangerous area.

A strong run by Pharoah was interrupted by a tackle from the opposition. A scramble in the box followed, as Wilkinson eventually fired a shot beyond the top of goal. 

Energised, the Saints worked their way into attack again. An excellent run from Jemma Purfield ended in disappointment, as her shot landed on the wrong side of the goalpost. With less than half an hour remaining, the Saints were desperate to make a comeback.

The Saints held on to possession, and a cross from captain Lucia Kendall went over the crossbar. Soon after, Paige Peake’s excellent cross in to Kendall was hit with power, and sent quickly past Lambourne to put the Saints back into the game. 

Primus came close to finding the equaliser for the home side, but her shot hit the side netting. There were further near-misses for the home side, as impact sub Lloyd-Smith hit the back post.

The four minutes of added time were not enough for the Saints to secure another goal, despite some promising build-up play, and Palace walked away with all three points.

Saints: Rendell, Collett,Mott, Rafferty, Peake, Purfield, Kendall (captain), Primus, Pike, Wilkinson (Wynne 85), Pharoah (Lloyd-Smith 69).

Subs not used: Haaland, Kraft, Milne, Howard, Nohasiarisoa. 

Goals: Kendall 76

Yellow Cards: Rafferty, Collett

Crystal Palace: Lambourne, Everett (captain), Nolan, Gibbons, Peraual, Hughes, Blanchard (Guyatt 77), Potter (Arthur 83), Sharpe (Dennis 65), Atkinson, Hopcroft (Fubey 83).

Subs not used: Negri, Sibley, Larkin, Reilly, Watson.

Goals: Atkinson 21, Hughes 45+3

Yellow Cards: Lambourne

Attendance: 1,941