Crystal Palace lose 2-0 at Lewes in FA Women’s Championship

Lucy Porter’s neat second-half finish guided Lewes to a 2-0 FA Women’s Championship victory over Crystal Palace at the Dripping Pan, writes Rachel Steinberg.

Izzy Dalton doubled the home side’s advantage in a heated contest that saw Siobhan Wilson sent off in the 71st minute.

Lewes benefitted from a strong performance by goalkeeper Tatiana Saunders, who denied numerous attempts by an eager Eagles offence that simply could not find a breakthrough as they lost for the second match in succession.

A cagey first half resulted in few chances for either side in the opening exchanges.

The Rooks finally found themselves on the front foot on 20 minutes, Dalton kick-starting her side’s attack with an effort from distance missing by mere inches.

A minute later, Saunders denied the visitors an opener with a smart save at the edge of the area. Dalton then turned provider, feeding a free-kick to Lucy Porter who watched her effort bounce off the woodwork.

Palace keeper Emily Orman produced a series of fine saves in quick succession to frustrate Lewes’ front line and send the sides into the break goalless despite five minutes of added time.

Finally, on 48 minutes, Porter found herself in space and fired home.

The goal settled the home side, who turned up the dial on their attack. Orman denied several good attempts and Lewes narrowly missing others.

The Eagles found themselves on the back foot and struggling to clear when Dalton pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the area and made it 2-0 on 57 minutes.

Palace were down to 10 after Wilson saw red for her challenge on Porter, leaving Lewes to play out the remaining 20 minutes and secure the three points.

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