Shannon O'Brien's late goal secured a 1-0 win for Crystal Palace Women over Watford Women in the WSL Cup Group Stage on Wednesday. The victory provides a positive response after the side's 7-0 defeat to Tottenham in the league just three days earlier.
O'Brien struck the decisive blow eight minutes from full time. The hosts had earlier seen efforts from Aimee Everton and O'Brien herself hit the goal frame after the break, while Watford's Tianna Teisar and Ellie Noble also threatened.
Watford head coach Renee Hector, who made seven changes to her starting lineup, said her players gave everything. "The girls worked so hard," Hector said. "They learnt a new shape and there were players out of position."
Madison Perry thought she had snatched a late equaliser for the visitors, but the goal was disallowed for offside. "I'm gutted for the girls, especially as I thought we'd done it with that late equaliser," Hector added.
The result moves Crystal Palace Women forward ahead of a trip to Birmingham City on Sunday. In the Women's Super League, the team currently sits eighth with four points from three games.
