Crystal Palace unable to derail Championship leaders Bristol City

Grace Clinton’s first-half brace saw Bristol City to a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the FA Women’s Championship to retain top spot.

It was a hugely one-sided affair between the league leaders and a side currently sixth, with the Robins showing their WSL credentials as they edge closer towards promotion with only six matches to play.

The Hayes Lane crowd were almost treated to a goal inside the first 30 seconds when Abi Harrison raced on to a loose ball, but Fran Kitching was quick to scramble and smother it.

They did not need to wait long though, with Clinton scoring the first of her goals after just seven minutes, cleverly lifting a volley over a helpless Kitching after Harrison’s tempting ball into the box.

Chances kept coming for the home side, with Anna Filbey and Shania Hayles both striking the woodwork and Kitching remaining busy throughout.

City had to be patient as they searched for their second, but in stoppage time they found it through a moment of real quality, with Clinton’s wonderfully struck free-kick fired into the bottom right corner.

Last season’s top scorer Harrison scored her fifth goal of the season three minutes into the second period thanks to a lovely team move, with Emily Syme and Ffion Morgan combining before finding Harrison to poke home and seal victory.

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