Crystal Palace Women were beaten 2-1 by Brighton and Hove Albion Women at Broadfield Stadium, despite taking a first-half lead against the Seagulls.
Brighton controlled much of the opening period, registering three shots to Palace’s one, but the visitors went into the interval ahead. On 34 minutes, Blanchard pounced on a loose ball from the Brighton goalkeeper before producing an excellent long-range finish to make it 1-0.
Palace goalkeeper Peyraud-Magnin also made an important save during a first half in which Shannon O’Brien was brought down without being awarded a foul. Palace held their advantage at the break, with the score remaining 0-1 at the start of the second half.
Brighton levelled when Caitlin Hayes headed home a cross from close range. The hosts then completed the turnaround five minutes later, with Emilie Joramo’s effort taking a deflection and falling to Sophie Peskett, who found the net.
The result leaves Palace without the points they needed from the contest, although the performance was described as unfortunate given the first-half dominance from Brighton and the narrow nature of the defeat. Palace had entered the match knowing a victory could have moved them above the Seagulls into ninth place.
Palace’s starting line-up was Peyraud-Magnin, Napier, Everett, England, Ladd, Blanchard, Larkin, Goldie, Hopcroft, O’Brien and Bartrip.
