Women’s football round-up: Palace boost safety hopes with win over Villa – Chelsea get their hands on silverware
BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk
Crystal Palace gave their Women’s Super League survival hopes a huge boost on Sunday as they beat fellow relegation rivals Aston Villa 3-1.
Goals from Aniek Nouwen, Ashleigh Weerden and Katie Stengel handed the Eagles just their second win of the season.
It was the first victory for the South Londoners since Leif Smerud was appointed as manager following Laura Kaminski’s dismissal.
The win over Villa, who are 11th and one place above Palace in the table, cut the gap to safety to just one point.
“We knew it was going to be a game with a lot of pressure going into it,” Smerud told PalaceTV. “But I’m impressed with how we handled that pressure.
“I knew the players were going to be a bit nervous but we handled it really well.
“To come out of it after a big fight – especially in the second half – with three points is fantastic.
“No matter how difficult it is, you have to stick together. We did that today and we got three points.
“We have to celebrate this because it’s really deserved. We have a job to do still and we’re going to do it.”
Sonia Bompastor claimed her first trophy in charge of Chelsea on Saturday with a 2-1 League Cup final win over Manchester City.
Mayra Ramirez’s early strike and an own goal from City’s Yui Hasegawa saw the Blues end their three-year losing streak in League Cup finals and also keep alive the hopes of securing an historic quadruple.
“It feels great, for sure. I’m really happy,” said Bompastor.
“From the beginning of the season we said we are going to be ambitious and when you have the opportunity to win a first title, that is always really positive.
“I am really happy for that reason and I am really proud of my players.
“When you are at these big clubs, the pressure is on results, so when you win you are able to celebrate.
“These are the moments you want to enjoy with players, staff and fans.”
Charlton Athletic lost ground in their Championship promotion battle as they drew 1-1 with Bristol City on Sunday.
Katie Bradley scored for Karen Hills’ side in the second half to cancel out a first-half own goal from Ellie Brazil.
However, with leaders Birmingham City beating Southampton, the Addicks are six points off top spot.
“It was a game where two teams were completely battling it out until the final whistle,” said boss Karen Hills. “Both wanted to try to get the win. We were better in the second half.
“I’m super proud of the group today and how they have ground that result out.”
Hayes Lane-based London City Lionesses kept their title bid alive with a 1-0 win over Blackburn.
Miljana Ivanovic scored the only goal of the game in the 84th minute.
Jocelyn Precheur’s side are three points behind Birmingham with a game in hand.
AFC Wimbledon suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Cheltenham Town in the FA Women’s National League South.
Ashlee Hincks scored the only goal for the Dons, who head to bitter rivals Milton Keynes, who are bottom of the table, on Sunday.
Kevin Foster’s side have four games left this season and cannot go up or down.
Millwall Lionesses battered Haywards Heath Town 10-0 on Sunday.
Maisie Joyce netted a hat-trick as Liv McGregor, Elise Jennings, Olivia Harris, Lucy Jellett, Sophie Chapman, Shannan Drewe and Ciara Watling found the back of the net.
PICTURES: ALAMY