Women’s football round-up: Defeat for new Palace boss Smerud as London City Lionesses and Charlton lose ground on Championship leaders

There was no dream start to life as new Crystal Palace manager Leif Smerud as his side lost 1-0 against Liverpool in the Women’s Super League on Sunday.

The 48-year-old Norwegian was appointed on Saturday. He succeeds Laura Kaminski, who had guided the Eagles to Championship promotion last season but was sacked a week ago.

Smerud has worked as caretaker coach of his country’s men’s and women’s sides.

Jasmine Matthews’ 10th-minute goal settled the contest at Sutton’s Borough Sports Ground.

Palace are four points from safety with seven fixtures remaining. Their next league fixture on March 16 is huge – hosting Aston Villa, the club directly above them.

“Liverpool came a bit different to what we expected – I had prepared a couple of scenarios but not the one they came with,” Smerud told Palace TV. “It makes it a bit difficult to adjust during the half. But we were fighting and working on the things that we should.

“We dominated and got more control of the game in the second half.

“It’s not difficult to motivate for this type of game where we know we’re in a situation where we have to fight on every ball and understand the situation we are in. It would’ve been fantastic to have got the win or something from the game but you couldn’t expect it with the context it happened in now.

“The most important thing is to build from this going forward. I will get time to work and I’m sure we’re going to keep developing.

“I have a lot of things I want to look into and go into. I’m a big believer in habits and it’s about creating those habits in the training process and learning how to deal with different tactical scenarios.”

Kaminki was at the helm when Palace won top-flight status for the first time in their history.

Palace chairman Steve Parish – on the decision to part ways with Kaminski – said: “This has been an extremely difficult decision for the club to take.

”Laura has made a fantastic impact since arriving in the summer of 2023, getting the club promoted to the WSL for the first time in its history.

“Laura has given her all, on and off the pitch, and she leaves here with all of our thanks and best wishes for the future.”

Grace Williams, head of women’s football, said: “It is fantastic to welcome Leif, with his range of impressive experiences at the top level of the game, to Crystal Palace Football Club.

“Leif’s experience and credentials speak for themselves and, as we head into a crucial stretch of games at the end of our Women’s Super League season, we feel he will be an outstanding fit for maximising the undoubted potential of this group of players.”

Charlton Athletic and London City Lionesses both lost ground on Championship leaders Birmingham City as they drew 1-1 at The Valley.

The Blues have a three-point lead over Lionesses, who have played a game fewer.

Katie Bradley’s penalty put Charlton ahead in the 77th minute but Kosovara Asslani struck in the sixth minute of stoppage time – direct from a free-kick – to wipe out the advantage.

The Addicks are fourth in the table, seven points behind Birmingham but also have a fixture in hand.

Millwall Lionesses were thrashed 5-0 at home to Fulham in the London & South East Regional Women’s League Cup.

AFC Wimbledon’s match against Cheltenham Town at Raynes Park Vale’s Grand Drive was postponed after the referee deemed the pitch unplayable.

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