Crystal Palace Women showed their resilience to earn a 3-3 draw away to Birmingham City in the FA WSL on Sunday. Bethany England scored her first goal for the club in a match where the Eagles fought back from going behind on three separate occasions.
Palace went behind after just one minute when a defensive error allowed Oceane Hurtre to score. Shanade Hopcroft equalised with a free-kick on the half-hour mark, but Hurtre restored Birmingham's lead three minutes later. The visitors responded again in the second half. England finally found the net in the 70th minute, converting a rebound after a shot from substitute Sierra Enge. Seven minutes later, Lexi Lloyd-Smith thought she had won it, finishing a solo run from halfway. Birmingham levelled again late on, with Suzu Amano's 87th-minute shot taking a deflection to secure a point for the hosts.
Manager Jo Potter praised the team's character. "After last weekend's 7-0 defeat to Tottenham the early goal could have completely thrown the team," said Jo Potter. "But the side persevered and showed their brilliance by coming back and earning a point on the road."
The result leaves Crystal Palace Women 8th in the FA WSL standings with five points from their opening four games. Their recent form, which includes a heavy loss, now shows a goal difference of minus six, having scored four and conceded ten this season. This attacking point on the road provides a key boost as they look to climb the table.
Palace must now prepare for a trip to face Aston Villa Women next weekend, a key fixture in the fixtures list. Villa are currently 13th in the table, making it a vital opportunity for Potter's side to build on this promising away performance and add to their points tally.
Crystal Palace Women will face Charlton Athletic Women in the WSL Cup on Wednesday, September 30. The match will be played at the VBS Community Stadium with a 6:00 PM UTC kick-off. The club's recent form shows two wins, two draws, and one loss from their last five matches. Manager Jo Potter's side will look to build on their 3-3 draw at Birmingham City.
