Women’s football: Crystal Palace draw at London City despite Stobbs’ red card

BY ALEX WAITE

Crystal Palace coped with the second-half dismissal of Amber Stobbs to secure a 0-0 draw at London City Lionesses on Sunday.

The Eagles striker was sent off for two bookable offences on the hour mark in the FA Women’s Championship contest at Dartford’s Princes Park.

Former Charlton striker Liz Ejupi headed against the crossbar for the hosts.

Palace keeper Chloe Morgan, pictured left, tipped over Flo Fyfe’s dipping effort in the closing stages
The Eagles went close to opening the scoring in the first period, Cherelle Khassal shooting into the side-netting having been played in by Kate Natkiel.

The visitors appealed for a penalty shortly afterwards when Khassal drove into the area and was challenged by Harley Bennett but referee Lucy Ann Briggs waved away the protests.

Palace had another spot-kick appeal turned down just after half time – this time for handball after a shot from point-blank range was blocked by a Lionesses defender.

Morgan said: “We battled to the end. We went down to 10 players in the second half and it’s a credit to the girls to make up the extra person.

“We came out here with the mentality that the Lionesses were going to be very tough opponents and they were, so credit to them.

“They were pacey up front and towards the end there was a bit of a barrage of attacks. Luckily my defence were amazing throughout the game and I didn’t have too much to do.

“I needed to be called upon at the end so I was really pleased to keep it at 0-0 and earn another clean sheet.”

Palace, eighth in the 11-club division, are at home to second-placed Durham on Sunday.

Charlton Women postponed last weekend’s home fixture against Blackburn after a number of individuals tested positive for Covid-19.

The Addicks have not played since December 13.

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