Crystal Palace make it six league wins in seven with victory over Bristol City | OneFootball

Crystal Palace continued their impressive recent form in Barclays WSL2, making it six wins from seven games with a 2-1 victory over Bristol City at the VBS Community Stadium this afternoon.

Lexi Lloyd-Smith fired the visitors ahead but goals from Abbie Larkin and Ashleigh Weerden turned the game around as Crystal Palace continued their climb up the Barclays WSL2 table.

Bristol City started the match strongly, with loud support from the travelling fans and returning attacker Katie Robinson looking very lively. At the other end, Crystal Palace were unable to make the most of the opportunities provided, with the visiting defence playing it tight within the box.

After an intense build-up of saves by Crystal Palace keeper, Shae Yáñez, Bristol City broke the deadlock through a tap-in from Lloyd-Smith. Captain, Vicky Losada, sent a cross into the box, finding defender Sille Struck, who headed the ball to Lloyd-Smith to finish.

Crystal Palace responded quickly and they were level nine minutes later. Larkin equalised after reacting quickly to Kirsty Howat’s pass.

In the second half, it was The Eagles who came out strongly, although Annabel Blanchard was unable to capitalise on several opportunities. Just after the hour, Weerden sent the hosts into the lead with an incredible goal from a tight angle at the back post, following a cross from Molly-Mae Sharpe.

Both teams were heavily physical for the rest of the game, with both sets of fans and coaching staff becoming frustrated. In the end, it was Crystal Palace who held on for a 2-1 victory on what was captain Aimee Everett’s 100th appearance for the club. She became only the second player to achieve this feat for the South Londoners.

This afternoon’s result intensifies the battle for promotion, with Crystal Palace now sitting in fourth place, just one point behind Bristol City in third and four points behind Birmingham City who occupy second place.