Crystal Palace Women opened their first Women’s Super League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Everton at the VBS Community Stadium, securing three points in a closely contested season opener.
The decisive moment arrived in the 34th minute when Lexi Lloyd-Smith found space behind Everton’s defence before finishing past Courtney Brosnan. The goal gave Palace the lead after both sides had created opportunities during an even opening period.
Everton had threatened early when Shannon O’Brien tried an ambitious effort from around 30 yards, but Brosnan recovered to collect it. At the other end, Palace continued to pose a threat on the break, while Lloyd-Smith remained a danger to the visitors’ back line.
The Eagles appeared to have doubled their advantage shortly after the hour mark when Lloyd-Smith found the net again, but the effort was ruled out by the assistant referee’s flag. That decision kept Everton within touching distance as they searched for a way back into the contest.
Palace managed the closing stages effectively, resisting Everton’s pressure during eight minutes of added time to preserve their clean sheet and claim a memorable opening-day triumph. The result gives the newly promoted side an ideal start to life in the WSL.
