Crystal Palace defeated 4-2 by Birmingham in FA Women’s Championship
Claudia Walker scored twice as Birmingham City beat Crystal Palace 4-2 in the FA Women’s Championship on Sunday.
Molly-Mae Sharpe had an early chance for the hosts, firing wide from inside the penalty area, but the game then took a bad turn for the Eagles.
First, Jade Pennock took her tally for the season to 11, firing into the bottom corner on the counterattack in the ninth minute.
Walker doubled her side’s lead just two minutes later, converting the rebound after her initial effort came off the post.
It was 3-0 by the 15th minute. Pennock turned provider to find Lucy Quinn, who guided her shot into the back of the net.
Pennock could have made it 4-0 in the 21st minute, but the forward’s shot dragged just wide of the post.
The pendulum then swung yet again as Palace staged a fightback.
First, Coral-Jade Haines’ powerful shot found the back of the net after a delightful cross from Annabel Blanchard.
Sharpe then made amends for her earlier miss, reducing the deficit to one goal three minutes before the break.
After a slow start to the second half, Anna Filbey took a shot on goal that flew just over crossbar.
However, Walker scored again with 22 minutes remaining to restore her side’s two-goal advantage.
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