Crystal Palace Women suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to West Ham in Sutton, with Kelly Gago’s first-half finish proving decisive. The result marked Palace’s first home loss there since December 2025.
Chances were limited during a closely contested opening period. Bethany England came closest for the hosts early on when she sent an effort across goal, but nobody was able to apply the finishing touch.
West Ham took the lead after 30 minutes following a defensive mix-up. Oona Siren capitalised on Aimee Everett’s miscontrolled touch before teeing up Gago, who finished into an unguarded net. England appeared to have levelled shortly before half-time from Abbie Larkin’s cross, although the goal was ruled out for offside.
Palace controlled much of the second half and Lexi Lloyd-Smith created problems on the left, but the Eagles were unable to turn their pressure into an equaliser. Everett produced an important intervention at the other end on 72 minutes, blocking Viviane Asseyi’s goalbound effort on the line.
Substitute Shannon O’Brien later had Palace’s clearest opportunity when the ball dropped to her inside the area following a clearance from Molly Bartrip. However, her attempt went over the crossbar, and Palace could not find a leveller before the final whistle.
The defeat leaves Palace tenth in the Women’s Super League standings, with several teams still to play. The Eagles will look to respond next Sunday when they host Chelsea at The 360 Engage Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 12:00 GMT.
