Goals from Ashleigh Weerden and Mille Gejl sealed an impressive win for Palace in the WSL Cup, with it now all to play for against Spurs in the final game of the group stage on the 11th December.

Speaking to Palace TV after the game, Kaminski said: "Scoring early for us in the first half was positive.

“Behind the scenes, we’ve been trying to hold on to stuff a little bit better, so asking the players to hold on and make sure we didn’t concede towards the end of the game was key. 

"We’ve been working really hard in-house on that, and I thought the players did it well today.”

Reflecting on the impact of goal-scorers Weerden and Gejl, she said: “I’m so delighted for both, Mille has been itching to score in training, so it was really positive for her to now take that next step. 

"Ash—she’s such a bright talent, she was causing the back line problems with her dribbling and 1v1s, so it was great for her to find the back of the net.”

Kaminski also stressed the importance of the result for morale as Palace look to their final three games of 2024 against West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. 

“It’s so positive for us. After the unfortunate ending against Aston Villa, it was important to turn things around and get back to winning ways,” she explained.

Many of the players will now join up with their national teams for the final international break of the year, [with some players being involved in decisive games for their nations](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/women/november-international-my-cato-sweden-england-euro/).

After that, Palace face West Ham away at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, before consecutive home games against Spurs and Man Utd at the VBS Community Stadium.

[Tickets for those three fixtures are available here.](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Events?preFilter=6&preFilterName=3.%20Women%27s%20Matches)

Crystal Palace Women’s head coach Laura Kaminski praised her side’s performance after their 2-0 win over Charlton Athletic in the Women’s League Cup.

Kaminski: It's important to get back to winning ways

Crystal Palace Women v Charlton Athletic Women (2024-11-24)

Tickets for the clash on Merseyside are available to purchase on the gates at St. Helens Stadium.

Reflecting on recent training sessions and performances, Laura said: “We’re in a good place overall. It’s tough to maintain a fully fit squad with the intensity we train at, and we've had a couple of minor setbacks this week, but we’re managing well and making steady progress."

Addressing the step up from the Championship to the WSL, Kaminski said: “This is a transition year for us, and the tempo and physical demands in the WSL are higher.

"The players have responded brilliantly, and I’m already seeing their growth as a unit.”

Looking ahead to the weekend, Kaminski is expecting a physical encounter against Liverpool: “They’re aggressive and well-organised. We know they’ll put their bodies on the line, so we need to be ready for that.

"After a few weeks in the league, we have adjusted, and I trust our game plan. It won’t be easy, but we’re prepared.”

The trip to the Totally Wicked stadium in St Helens is one of the furthest for Palace in the WSL, and Kaminski highlighted the value of team bonding on these long trips.

She said: “The bus journeys are a great time for team bonding. Some players relax, others love to chat, but we’re a connected group, and that helps keep us sharp and unified.

"Sometimes I will have discussions and talks with the players, it's very relaxed. They have got their own individual interests, I know I have got a lot of keen readers!"

With the international break approaching, she said: “It’s a chance for the players to recharge, and for those staying behind, it’s a great time to focus on development. We’ll come back stronger, ready for the next phase.

“We are taking it game by game, and the players are proving they’re ready for the challenge.”

### Match Details

- Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
- Sunday, 20th October (14:00 BST)
- Women's Super League
- Totally Wicked Stadium
- Tickets available on the gates

Laura Kaminski expressed confidence in her team’s progress ahead of their Barclays Women's Super League clash against Liverpool on Sunday (20th October, 14:00 BST).

Kaminski on intensity of the WSL ahead of Palace's visit to Liverpool

Liverpool Women v Crystal Palace Women (2024-10-20)

Pre-Match Press conference vs Brighton WSL 

The Eagles host the Seagulls at the VBS Community Stadium this Sunday, 13th October (14:00 BST) – [**with tickets available HERE**](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Events?preFilter=6&preFilterName=3.+Women%2527s+Matches&utm_source=PALACEFC&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=web_story_290824) – off the back of a historic result at the King Power Stadium last weekend.

"Yeah, it was a great feeling," she said, when asked about the mood after the victory. "The players thoroughly deserved it.

"They relished the moment, and fingers crossed, that feeling becomes addictive. We're certainly chasing it again.

"We need to remember this is just the beginning. It was fantastic to see our improvements on the day, but we’ve got to keep our feet on the ground. It’s a long journey ahead."

When discussing Sunday’s historic victory against Leicester, Kaminski highlighted the cohesion that she has seen develop since the start of the season.

"It was the team that made the difference," she explained. "In the first two games, there were moments where players worked in isolation, but now they’re starting to knit together.

“Relationships on the pitch are building, and that was clear with the way we attacked. The team goal we scored was a great example of that.

"The tempo and intensity \[in the WSL\] are definitely a step up. It took us a few weeks to adapt, but the players have responded really well.

"We’ve worked hard, and this group has so much potential. But we have to stay composed and focused on the challenges ahead."

Now, Palace take on Brighton at the VBS Community Stadium looking to make it two wins in two - and Kaminski hopes that can be a precursor to welcoming a few key players back from injury.

"Brighton have recruited well and they have a fantastic manager," she said. “Tactically, they’re strong, but we’ve prepared thoroughly, and I’m confident in my team. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re ready for them.

"Shanade \[Hopcroft\] is progressing really well. She’s worked incredibly hard and we’ve seen positive steps this week.

"Hopefully, we’ll welcome her back soon, even just around the team environment this weekend."

### Match Details

- Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion
- Sunday, 13th October (14:00 BST)
- Women's Super League
- VBS Community Stadium
- [Click here to purchase tickets](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Events?preFilter=6&preFilterName=3.+Women%2527s+Matches&utm_source=PALACEFC&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=web_story_290824)**.**

Laura Kaminski was full of praise for her Crystal Palace side after their first Women's Super League victory of the season, as she prepares her team to take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

 Kaminski on Palace's historic WSL win and facing Brighton at Sutton

Crystal Palace Women v Brighton and Hove Albion Women (2024-10-13)

Arthur joined Palace this summer from Aston Villa and bagged an assist on her debut in [a 1-0 win over London City Lionesses](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/match-report-london-city-lionesses-0-1-crystal-palace-women/2022-08-23/).

She will link-up with Scotland as they compete against the Netherlands and Faroe Islands in September.

Both matches take place abroad, with the Netherlands game being a friendly on September 2nd and the Faroe Islands a World Cup qualifier on September 6th.

Arthur has 31 Scotland caps and two goals, having made her debut in 2015 after progressing through the Under-17s and Under-19s.

You can find out how she fares by [following Palace Women on Twitter here](https://twitter.com/cpfc_w)!

Crystal Palace Women defender Chloe Arthur has been called-up to represent the Scotland national team.

Palace Women's Chloe Arthur called-up to Scotland

## **Summary**

- Eight new players made their Crystal Palace debut
- Palace’s new ‘keeper Fran Kitching made her mark by producing two important saves early on 
- The Lionesses jumped to the defense on two occasions within two minutes as Polly Doran and Elise Hughes attempted to score
- **Half-time: London City Lionesses 0-0 Crystal Palace**
- Forty-nine minutes in, Isabella Sibley puts Palace in front with a poacher’s finish
- Chloe Peplow attempted a header from a high cross but it was saved by the Lionesses’ keeper
- The Lionesses head the ball into Palace’s box but hit the post
- The home team were on track to score late on, but Annabel Johnson intercepts the effort with a slide tackle
- **Full-time: London City Lionesses 0-1 Crystal Palace**

 The 2022/23 season kick-started with Palace Women on the road to face London City Lionesses at Princes Park stadium. After a summer of 15 new signings, eight players made their Palace debut and got off to a strong start: beating their local opponents 0-1. 

In the first 13 minutes, the Lionesses managed a few attempts on goal, however Palace ‘keeper, Fran Kitching, saved well each time.

Palace too had multiple attacks early in the first-half. Breaking quickly, Polly Doran produced a low strike blocked by the home defence and, two minutes later, a similarly fast counter saw Elise Hughes’ shot also denied. A minute later, Coral Haines showed off a curling shot but it went just wide of the Lionesses’ post. This was by far Palace’s brightest spell of the game so far.

Women's match highlights: London City Lionesses 0-1 Crystal Palace

Twenty-two minutes in saw another attempt to score from Palace’s Isabella Sibley, but her effort was collected by Lionesses ‘keeper Shae Yañez. Half an hour in, momentum looked to have swung back in the Lionesses’ favour with a few long balls, however Kitching retrieved the ball when required yet again. 

As Palace took control back over possession, Hughes struck smoothly just over the bar. Anna Filbey then produced a low effort which passed just beyond the post, leaving the Lionesses under pressure but still level.   

Haines supported Sibley by setting the ball up nicely on the edge of the box for an eye-catching strike saved by Yañez. Shortly after, Annabel Blanchard took a free-kick on the edge of the Lionesses’ box but again it was collected by the Lionesses ‘keeper.   

The Lionesses took control of the ball as they pushed forward towards the end of the first-half, when a deflected cross landed the ball on top of the Palace net, forcing a corner. The hosts ping the ball in, bouncing it off the Palace bar and out for a goal kick.  

Forty-four minutes in, the Lionesses struck from outside the box, but sent it sailing just high of the bar. For the third time is almost as many minutes a long-range shot thwacked the Palace bar and rebounded out, with A long-range shot hit the Palace bar, causing it to rebound out. Anna Filbey followed up and ensured it was cleared just as the game hit half-time. 

This was a tense period in an otherwise dominant half from Palace. Despite both sides’ efforts, the game somehow remained 0-0 as the two teams left the field. 

This wouldn’t last long after the restart. In the 49th-minute, Chloe Arthur struck from outside the box, however hit the top of the bar to send the ball ricocheting back into the box. Sibley reacted fastest, coming in fast with to clinch the season’s first goal and eventual matchwinner.   

Sibley drove goal-bound to attempt a second, but this was quickly claimed by the Lionesses’ ‘keeper. The young attacked then gained control of the ball yet again and caught the post with her resulting effort.

Five minutes of added time saw both teams fight in the final stretch, with the Lionesses seeking a way back in, but Palace held on to secure victory on the opening day of the season. 

They will next face Coventry United on Saturday, 27th August at Hayes Lane. [Click here to buy tickets](https://tickets.cpfc.co.uk/categories/womens).  

**Lionesses:** Yañez, Neville (Joel 64), Napier, Bennett, Rodgers, Nolan, Muya (Shepherd 56), Agg (Hopcroft 86), Heuchan (Fitzgerald 87), Ewens, Primus.

Subs not used: Kitching, Girasoli, Flemi, Pedersen, Cull.

**Palace:** Kitching, Everett, Arthur, Peplow (Reilly 62), Johnson, Hughes, Sibley, Filbey, Doran (Barton 76), Haines, Blanchard (Sharpe 73). 

Subs not used: Negri, Olding, Waldie, Gibbons, Guyatt, Noble.

Crystal Palace Women started the season at Princes Park stadium, where they went head-to-head with London City Lionesses to secure a 0-1 win. 

Palace Women open season in victory - find out and watch how

London City Lionesses v Crystal Palace Women (2022-08-21)

It was a season of incredible determination, and below Coral Haines, Emily Orman and Molly Sharpe recall the highs and lows to show how far they came in the latest FA Women’s Championship campaign. 

### **August: Bristol City**  

Palace Women started their 21/22 season by hosting Bristol City at Hayes Lane, a match which Coral Haines recalls as her favourite of the season. 

“The best game for me has to be the first game of the season against Bristol,” she says. “They had just been relegated \[from the Women’s Super League\] and were favourites.”  

Bristol City were relegated from the Women’s Super League, seeing them compete as one of the most testing sides in the Women’s Championship. They would go on to finish third, one place ahead of Palace on goal difference, making this game an eventually crucial one. 

Haines explains the 4-3 win: “It was a seven-goal thriller, with a brilliant goal from Kirsty Barton and I got a brace to start off the campaign with three points.” 

### **September: London City Lionesses, Sunderland, and Liverpool**

September featured three games, including two of the season's most difficult away trips.  

First up was a visit to the Princes Park stadium to face London City. This saw a debut appearance for Emily Orman, the loanee goalkeeper from Chelsea. Like the first game of the season the Eagles opened the scoring early – four minutes into the game – but London City were quick to equalise just seven minutes later. 

The hosts then took the lead right before half-time thanks to an own goal from Leanne Cowan, and despite various opportunities the game ended with Palace facing their first loss of the season. 

This would be the star of a briefly troubling period for the south Londoners, but set the tone for the early part of the season: Palace matches would be tightly contested. In fact, of their first 11 games, there was only ever one margin greater than two goals either way. 

Palace Women highlights: Palace 1-1 Sunderland

After London City came Sunderland, with hosting the fixture at Selhurst Park. The two sides wouldn’t be separated until Millie Farrow put Palace in front in the 67th-minute. A short five minutes later Sunderland were level and the game finished as a draw.   

The final game in September came on the road against Liverpool. This time it was the home side who took the early lead, with Shiv Wilson equalising through a long-range shot, but parity would only last a few minutes. Liverpool regained the lead inside the first-half and Palace pushed for another equaliser, but the Reds remained firm for almost an hour, and the game ended in defeat.  

### **October: Sheffield United, Coventry United and Watford** 

October began with Palace hosting Sheffield United: a tough fixture which had ended in defeat twice the season before. This game was tight, however, with both teams having two shots on target, and ended as a draw. This provided Palace with their first of three clean sheets and set them on a season-defining run of seven games unbeaten. 

A trip to Coventry United awaited the south Londoners next as they looked to pick up their first points on the road. At the end of a five-goal thriller that Palace dominated possession-wise, Wilson bagged to gift her side their first away win and three vital points.  

A Halloween fixture came next, facing Watford at Vicarage Road. Palace looked certain to pick up all three points with goals from Kirsty Barton and Sophie McLean, but two successive goals in 14 minutes left the teams sharing points, with Palace ending the month unbeaten. 

### **November: Durham, Charlton Athletic, and Blackburn Rovers** 

November was a triumphant month for Crystal Palace and proved vital in their league campaign, picking up nine points from a possible nine. It took Palace up to the midway point of the season, a lengthy Christmas break, as the league’s form team. 

A tricky fixture opened the month with league leaders Durham visiting Hayes Lane. A tremendous performance from Palace saw them go 2-0 up inside the first 20 minutes. Durham pulled one back late on but a 94th-minute Millie Farrow goal sealed victory, stunning the league leaders.  

Just a week on was the south London derby with Charlton, for which Palace drew a large crowd and they looked to continue their unbeaten home run of four league games. After an impressive display Farrow gave Palace the lead 10 minutes in and Barton doubled the advantage just before half-time. 

Although Palace dominated play, Charlton fought back to 3-2, but this wasn’t enough for the Addicks and they slumped to defeat. 

Haines recalls her moment of the season as Farrow’s 73rd-minute winner: “\[Coach\] James Marrs was shouting at us to keep the ball in the corner for the win, but we went for the third to kill the game off. The celebrations were unreal.” 

After two impressive wins a trip to Blackburn rounded off Palace’s month. Another early goal, this time from Bianca Baptiste, put the south Londoners one goal up, and the second came late in the closing stages from McLean. Blackburn pulled one back, but it was too late, and the points were awarded to the Eagles.  

### **January: Durham, Liverpool, and Lewes** 

The first game after Christmas saw Palace face Durham up north, and they would continue their 2021 form for the new year. It was a familiar setting for former Wildcat Molly Sharpe, who calls this her favourite fixture of the season. 

“We made the long drive up and ended up beating them 3-2. Durham are obviously a brilliant side so we knew it was going to be a tough one. 

“Having my family there and scoring in front of them meant everything. It was one of the most defining points of the season beating them twice, and it meant a lot to the whole team.” 

Flying high on 21 points Liverpool made the trip down to Hayes Lane. It was first v third and a huge fixture for Crystal Palace. The Reds piled on the pressure and walked away with three points after a 4-0 victory. Until then Palace hadn’t lost by more than a goal, and this stinging defeat would have an impact on their season for a brief spell. 

But in the short-term they bounced back emphatically against Lewes. After a dominant effort Palace walked away 3-1 winners with Haines topping off the win from the penalty spot. It was the perfect response from Davenport’s charges and the end of the season only highlighted Liverpool’s ability to win, as the Reds topped the league by 11 points – with 49 goals from 22. 

Women's Highlights: Palace 4-3 Bristol City

### **February: Bristol City, London City Lionesses and Sunderland**  

February was to be a difficult month for the Eagles, the hardest in the season upon reflection. 

The month started off at Bristol City and Palace went a goal down after less than a minute. Things went from bad to worse when Palace walked away losing 4-0.  

London City smelt blood in the water and were looking to further their standing near the top of the table when making the short trip to Hayes Lane. Palace started brightly but the visitors took the lead early on. 

This goal knocked the Eagles’ confidence and moments later they were 3-0 down. This was a tough place to fight back from, and although Palace did indeed net a goal of their own, they ended up forced to accept a 5-1 defeat. 

To finish off the month Palace travelled north to face Sunderland. Looking to bounce back from two disappointing results Davenport made a few lineup changes which paid off with Sharpe slotting home to take all three points. This win and a clean sheet were needed to boost morale going into the final three months of the season.  

### **March: Coventry United, Lewes and Charlton** 

Frustratingly, March would begin much like February had, but it ended at the start of a run that would restore Palace’s form and send them surging back up the table to secure a record-breaking spot. 

First Palace hosted a struggling Coventry United. The relegation battlers put in an excellent performance to grab a win through Katie Wilkinson.  

Palace were back on the road and travelling to Lewes. Again, the opposition dominated, and Palace were punished to head home in defeat. 

These back to back losses again posed Palace with a challenge to their mentality and confidence. With just four games left, further defeat could derail their previously successful campaign, so the south Londoners knew a reversal in fortune was desperately required. 

That came in the month’s final match against rivals Charlton. The fixture saw Haines score one of the best goals of the season, with a remarkable strike from outside the box smashing into the corner of the net. She would later win the club-wide Goal of the Month award for this sensational effort. 

Orman and Sharpe recall the outstanding finish as their favourite strike: “The way in which she scored the goal was brilliant,” says Sharpe. “The fact that we went on to win the game and got the clean sheet meant everything.” 

Orman recalled it as “a thing of beauty.” She also praised her own personal performance, saying: “It was really great for me to make an impact late on in the game, making a save to keep the score 1-0.” 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a strike ✨<br><br>Love it, <a href="https://twitter.com/coralhaines?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coralhaines</a> 👏<br><br>Here&#39;s your Palace Goal of the Month for March 🦅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPFC</a></p>&mdash; Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPFC/status/1512445410564096002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### **April: Blackburn Rovers and Watford**  

Winning the south London derby gave Palace the impetus they needed to end the campaign on a high. Final home games saw them host two struggling sides, Blackburn and Watford. 

Rovers were up first. Throughout the season Palace enjoyed scoring early on, and Sharpe proved that yet again by finding the back of the net in the eighth-minute. Blackburn fought back and grabbed an equaliser only to see their hopes crushed when just five minutes later Haines found the corner, moving Palace into fourth place. 

Related news

The final home game of the season saw a struggling Watford travel to Hayes Lane. Sharpe’s brace secured Palace victory, and other results meant Charlton and Sheffield United were unable to catch them in the league. Sitting in a promising fourth with one game to go Palace couldn’t drop lower than fifth, with the highest they could finish being second.  

### **May: Sheffield United**  

It was all the play for when travelling to Sheffield United on May 1st. Win could see Palace remarkably sit in the top two, but defeat would drop them a place to fifth. 

This meant Palace guaranteed themselves a highest-ever league finish, but which place this would be was still to be determined.  

The full-time whistle blew with the scores at 2-2, and Palace ended the season on 37 points and fourth in the league, behind third-place Bristol City on goal difference only.  

With the season over, Sharpe earned herself top goal scorer with Haines picking up the most assists. After this record-breaking season Palace Women will be looking to once more move forward when 2022/23 begins.

Dean Davenport’s Crystal Palace Women worked phenomenally throughout 2021/22 to earn themselves a highest-ever fourth-place finish, breaking multiple records for the club. 

How Palace Women finished Championship in record-breaking fourth

Franklin-Wright and Townsend wrote directly for the club, while Butland and Morgan voiced their views in an honest discussion with the Premier League.

Here's what each of them had to say.

### Emma Franklin-Wright, Proud and Palace co-chair

The theme of this year’s Rainbow Laces is ‘Lace Up, Speak Out’ and focuses on allyship. This is a topic very close to our hearts, and one that is as relevant now as it has ever been. 
 
For us, allyship from the Crystal Palace family has presented itself in many ways. Ten days after we first met with the club Crystal Palace were in the FA Cup final. Our founder Stephanie Fuller and I took a (admittedly far too big) Proud and Palace banner and unfurled it on Wembley Way for a photo. 

As it flapped around in the wind two random Palace fans came running over, spotting the Kick it Out logo on the banner, and said: “Come on lads, help them out, look: ‘Fans for Diversity’”. A small gesture, but an important image that marked our arrival as an official fan group and one that would not have happened without those allies.

Indeed, the meeting that forewent that image and saw us granted ‘official’ status was all down to two great allies at the club - former Social Media Manager Sam Jordan and then-Communications Manager Terry Byfield. We then saw over 40 other fan groups sign up as allies to our campaign ‘there’s 99 reasons to hate Br\*ghton, homophobia doesn’t need to be one of them’. 

In the last Pride in London before the pandemic the club’s staff and Pete the Eagle joined us as we proudly out-sang our London club counterparts every step of the march.
 
Recently the conversation on inclusion in football has been louder than ever, and we are proud that the voices of our allies in the Crystal Palace family have met that volume and then some. 

From highly visible displays in the stands to speaking up when trolls come out on Twitter, the need for allyship is more prescient than ever, and to all our allies we just want to say we appreciate you more than you will ever know.

### Troy Townsend – Kick It Out Head of Player Engagement
 
We’ve been an important organisation in this space for as long as I can remember. We started the Fans for Diversity programme in partnership with the Football Supporters Association to give fans ownership and help make football comfortable for everyone. That’s our main goal, for people to feel valued while watching their respective clubs.
 
A lot of people believe Kick It Out only works around racism, but from 1997 we’ve challenged all forms of discrimination in football. I remember being at the Proud and Palace launch a few years ago, and the positive nature of the conversations and way the fan groups are empowered to challenge discrimination and come together shows that many voices have grown to become part of this conversation.

English football is in a better place than it was five years ago, better than three years ago, but I always caveat that to say there’s much more we can do.
 
The same stereotyped language still exists; the name calling and long-outdated terminology used at football in anger. It’s still a challenge to help people understand that their archaic views are no longer warranted and they will be challenged and face consequences if caught.
 
When you do a campaign like Rainbow Laces – and we have been guilty of this in the past – it can seem like the awareness is raised and then everyone forgets about it shortly after, so the same problems persist. 

The importance of Rainbow Laces is that it supports the voices of the unheard, and the voices of many. These campaigns go nationwide because football has such a power to educate people. We should never underestimate its power. Football influences so much - why should it not influence this as a proud voice?

### Chloe Morgan - Crystal Palace Women goalkeeper

Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community I absolutely love to know I have the support of the fans, the support of my friends and family, the support of my teammates and the club generally. Especially at Palace I’ve always felt so welcomed and so comfortable in my own skin, which has been absolutely massive for me. 

The position would be completely different if you didn’t feel comfortable bringing your full self to training and matches. I think it’s been a personally important thing for me to be openly out and proud and to be able to support any colleagues and teammates who wanted to share themselves.

The players we have are from all different walks of life, all different backgrounds, cultures, religions, sexualities. I’ve never felt more supportive and comfortable and I think there’s an atmosphere where you have that genuine friendliness and want to know and be involved in everyone’s lives. 

I think when you see your teammates day in, day out, you become very close [regardless of] what other situation or characteristics or what else is going on, you want to be there to support them and grow that friendship.

### Jack Butland - Crystal Palace goalkeeper

I think it [a professional male player coming out] would be an absolute gamechanger and a massive, massive mark in the men’s game. I think we’d be extremely supportive. 

I think we get this idea, perhaps from the outside, that we wouldn’t be open to that or wouldn’t welcome that. I take this squad for example and Palace the club, everything. I look around the changing room and we’re so diverse anyway, you would welcome it. 

It doesn’t take a lot. Like this, just having a conversation about it and starting a trend, starting a conversation to be followed to give people a bit of oomph themselves to go and speak about it. Hopefully that leads the way for more and more people of all ways and all members of the LGBTQ+ community to open up and be themselves. No more so than in the men’s game. 

There will be a time, I hope, I hope soon, that someone feels comfortable enough in the men’s game to do that. But I think we’ve got a lot of work to do and speaking about it and not hiding the conversation from people and not hiding ourselves, being in that conversation will really help. 

Hopefully the men’s game becomes a much more comfortable place for people to feel they can be themselves.

As part of the Rainbow Laces campaign, Proud and Palace co-chair Emma Franklin-Wright, Kick It Out Head of Player Engagement Troy Townsend and Palace goalkeepers Jack Butland and Chloe Morgan have shared messages about LGBT+-inclusion within football.

Key Palace figures share messages supporting LGBT+-inclusion in football

Crystal Palace v Aston Villa (2021-11-27)

Leeds United v Crystal Palace (2021-11-30)

**Summary**

* Dean Davenport made three changes to the side - bringing Bianca Baptiste, Millie Farrow and Gracie Pearse into the starting XI

* Millie Farrow came close to opening the scoring 10 minutes in

* Siobhan Wilson’s free-kick went just wide of the post

* Farrow hit the post half an hour in

* **Half-time: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland**

* Bianca Baptiste nearly put the Eagles in front from a counter attack

* Farrow finished inside the box to put Palace ahead 66 minutes in

* Sunderland levelled through Keira Ramshaw five minutes later

* Haines hit the post with five minutes to go

* **Full-time: Crystal Palace 1-1 Sunderland**


Having played out [a seven-goal thriller](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/report-haines-brace-secures-all-three-points-in-seven-goal-thriller/2021-08-29/) in their opening clash of the season at Hayes Lane, the Eagles were welcomed to Selhurst Park with the Palace faithful in full voice.

The opening exchanges were fairly even for both sides, though Millie Farrow came close to putting the Eagles in front 10 minutes in. The Palace No. 9 latched on to a Siobhan Wilson cross, but her scuffed effort was dealt with by Claudia Moan in the Sunderland net.

A quarter of an hour in and the Black Cats had their first notable chance with a free-kick from 25-yards out. The tame effort from Charlotte Potts was well held by Palace ‘keeper Emily Orman.

Halfway through the first-half, the Eagles dialled upped the tempo and came agonisingly close to scoring. First through a Wilson free-kick from 20-yards out which went narrowly wide of the post and then through multiple efforts from Coral Haines and Bianca Baptiste.

Farrow came closest to opening the scoring for Palace on the half-hour mark, as she got on the end of another Wilson cross and rattled the post from inside the six-yard box.

Palace were firmly on top, with another chance falling to Kirsty Barton 10 minutes before half-time, though the visitors did have another chance through Jessica Brown which sailed over the bar.

The teams went in level at the break, and the Eagles started the second-half brightly. Baptiste started and nearly finished a counter attack in the 50th minute - sprinting from inside her own half to get on the end of a Farrow through ball, but firing just over the bar.

As the second-half developed, the game ebbed and flowed with half-chances coming for both teams. Just past the hour-mark, Palace got their noses in front through Farrow. The No.9 finished brilliantly inside the box after being picked out by a Haines cross.

The Eagles passed and probed, searching for another goal to get back in front and nearly got one five minutes from full-time. Haines headed a Wilson cross onto the post and the onrushing Baptiste had her effort charged down by the Sunderland defence.

That proved to be Palace’s best chance of securing all three points, as the final whistle brought an end to proceedings after four minutes of stoppage time. 

**Crystal Palace:** Orman, Pearse (Cowan 73), Johnson, Waldie, Everett, Barton, Clifford, Haines, Baptiste, Wilson, Farrow (Sharpe 73).

Subs not used: Nicol, Churchill, Morgan, Coombs.

**Sunderland:** Moan, Beer, Potts, McCatty, Griffiths, Brown (Blakey 84), Kelly, Herron, Joice, Farrugia (Manders 61), Scarr (Ramshaw 61).

Subs not used: Mullen, Cowline, McInnes.


Crystal Palace Women put in a solid performance against table-topping Sunderland Ladies, which saw them come away with a point at a sunny Selhurst Park.

Report: Honours even as Eagles draw with top-of-table Sunderland

Crystal Palace Women v Sunderland Ladies (2021-09-12)

Women's highlights thumb Sunderland H 21-22.jpg

**Summary**

* Palace get off to a perfect start in the opening minute as Coral Haines scores from the spot
* The Eagles double their lead through Charley Clifford 15 minutes in
* Siohban Wilson hits the crossbar directly from a corner moments later
* The Robins pull one back five minutes before half-time
* Kirsty Barton finishes brilliantly for Palace’s third in stoppage time
* **Half-time: Crystal Palace 3-1 Bristol City**
* Barton adds another for the Eagles just after half-time
* Bristol City pull one back through Simran Jhamat
* Aggie Beever-Jones heads in another for the Robins in the 90th minute
* Palace hold on to secure all three points
* **Full-time: Crystal Palace 4-3 Bristol City**

The Eagles were welcomed back to Hayes Lane, for their first game of their new season, by the returning fans who were in full voice.

Encouraged by the fans, the Palace pressed forward straight from kick-off and won a penalty after Siohban Wilson was brought down inside the box. 

Coral Haines stepped up from the 12-yards and made no mistake to give the Eagles a perfect start with just a minute on the clock.

The Eagles settled into the game after taking the lead and won a succession of corners. They capitalised on these corners a quarter of an hour in through Charley Clifford, the midfielder got the final touch of a goalmouth scramble to double the advantage for the Eagles.

Wilson nearly added another for the Eagles moments later as she rattled the crossbar directly from her own corner.


In the five minutes of time that were added on to the first-half after Wilson went down during the build up to the Bristol City goal, the Eagles added their third. 

Haines picked out Kirsty Barton in the box after a powerful run and the Palace No.18 finished brilliantly past the Robins’ goalkeeper Fran Bentley.

The Eagles started the second half brightly and extended their lead further through Haines. The midfielder was picked out by a fantastic cross from Leanne Cowan down the Palace right and finished with ease inside the box.

The visitors pulled another one back through second-half substitute Simran Jhamat just under five minutes later, as they continued to fight their way back into the game.

The game settled after a frantic opening ten minutes of the second-half as Palace looked to consolidate the two goal advantage. 

Both sides had their chances to add to their tallies as the game progressed, though Palace came closest through second-half substitutes Bianca Baptiste and Millie Farrow combining well. Farrow, the Palace No.9, fired a shot just over the bar from inside the box. 


Palace looked to see the game out as full-time was looming, however the Robins pulled yet another goal back through substitute Aggie Beever-Jones heading home from a corner in the 90th minute.

The Eagles safely navigated a late Bristol City surge in the four minutes of stoppage time to secure all three points in their first game of the season.

**Crystal Palace:** Morgan, Johnson, Everett, Waldie, Cowan, Wilson (Farrow 63), Clifford, Churchill, Barton, Haines (McLean 85), Sharpe (Baptiste 69).

Subs not used: Baptiste, Nichol, Coombs, McLean, Orman.

**Bristol City:** Bentley, Powell, Cataldo (Allen 82), Murray, Aspin (Jhamat 45), Layzell, Palmer, Kuyken, Harrison, Johnson (Beever-Jones 65), Woolley (Cook 82).

Subs not used: Foley, Whitehouse, Bull, Collis, Wilde.


In their first clash of the 2021/22 FA Women's Championship campaign, Crystal Palace Women got off to the best possible start against Bristol City Women - taking all three points in a 4-3 victory.

Report: Haines brace secures all three points in seven-goal thriller

Crystal Palace Women v Bristol City Women (2021-08-29)

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