Jo Potter believes Crystal Palace Women can take encouragement from their performance against Chelsea, despite seeing an excellent start turn into a 3-1 defeat in South London.
Palace led at half-time after Molly Bartrip converted from a corner, giving the hosts a deserved advantage against the eight-time Women’s Super League champions. Chelsea responded after the interval, with Palace conceding twice in moments Potter felt were avoidable. Melvine Malard’s goal, in particular, followed a throw-in that allowed the forward to turn and shoot.
The manager was encouraged by the progress Palace showed in possession and during transitions. She also highlighted the team’s work from set pieces, an area she felt had previously fallen short. Alongside Bartrip’s goal, Palace successfully defended 13 Chelsea corners.
The match was a feisty contest, with five cards shown and plenty of challenges between the two sides. Potter welcomed the intensity and the passion shown by the players, provided it remained within acceptable limits, praising the way both teams supported one another during the derby.
Palace had an opportunity to level at 2-2, which Potter felt could have changed the complexion of the contest. Although disappointed by the result, she said there were considerably more positives to take from the display than from the previous game against West Ham.
Palace’s next fixture is another South London derby against London City Lionesses at Bromley on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
