Crystal Palace Women 0-2 SAFC Women
SAFC Women secured their first win of the season with an exceptional performance as they beat Crystal Palace in the Barclays Women’s Championship at Hayes Lane.
Emily Scarr opened the scoring in the 56th minute for the Lasses.
Katy Watson’s 90th minute goal sealed the win to take the three points back home.
The Lasses had the first chance as Neve Herron curled a dangerous cross to the back post, met by Abby Holmes whose header went just wide.
Palace’s Abigail Blanchard had a strike from long range 27 minutes in, but it sailed wide of the post.
Mel Reay’s side could have taken the lead just before the half-hour mark as Scarr slotted Herron though, but her left-footed shot was stopped by Frances Hitching.
After a positive first half, Sunderland continued after the break and took the lead on the 56th minute, with Herron’s shot parried to the feet of Scarr, who tapped the rebound into the goal.
Substitute Nicki Gears was positive leading the line, breaking down the left wing, cutting onto her right foot and curling a shot towards the far corner, but the ‘keeper saved the shot.
The home side piled the pressure on, looking for the equaliser in the second half, but the Lasses were resolute and thwarted any attacking threat that the Eagles threw at them.
The team’s defensive solidity was rewarded in the 90th minute. The ball found Gears who drove through the middle, slotted a pass through a Palace defender’s legs for Watson to run onto, and the young striker expertly rounded the ‘keeper and finished her chance into an open goal.
The Lasses have a very positive result to kickstart their season as they prepare for their next fixture against London City Lionesses at Eppleton.
SAFC WOMEN: Moan, Beer, Holmes, McCatty, Westrup, Griffiths, Manders (Dodds 62’), Herron, D. Brown, Kelly © (Watson 62’), Scarr (Gears 62’).
Subs not used: Cowling, J. Brown, McInnes, Ede.