Two years ago today, Crystal Palace Women made history at Leicester City as Annabel Blanchard’s second-half double secured the club’s first-ever Barclays Women’s Super League victory.
The Eagles had begun their maiden top-flight campaign with defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, leaving them still waiting for both their opening goal and first points. Their visit to the King Power Stadium provided the breakthrough, although the opening half remained goalless, with goalkeeper Shae Yañez rarely tested.
Palace broke the deadlock within 10 minutes of the restart. Mille Gejl won possession in midfield before finding Blanchard, who immediately combined with Katie Lampson, formerly known as Stengel. After receiving the return pass, Blanchard finished against her former club to give Palace their first WSL goal.
Leicester pressed for an equaliser as heavy rain fell in the stadium, but Palace extended their advantage in the 68th minute. Chelsea loanee Lexi Potter was fouled inside the area, allowing Blanchard to take responsibility from the spot. She sent the penalty into the opposite corner from her first goal, completing a landmark brace.
The 2-0 result gave Palace their first WSL win, with the travelling supporters celebrating at full-time. The Eagles were ultimately relegated in April 2025, but Jo Potter then guided the team straight back to the top flight.
Palace have since made a positive start to the 2026/27 WSL season, collecting six points from their first five league matches. Their next fixture is a home meeting with West Ham on Sunday, 18 October at 12:00, with tickets available for the game.
