Crystal Palace Women were beaten 3-1 by Chelsea in the Barclays Women’s Super League at The 360 Engage Stadium, despite taking a lead into half-time against the eight-time champions.
Palace produced an impressive opening period and went ahead after 20 minutes. Fuka Tsunoda’s corner found Molly Bartrip at the back post, with the defender converting to score Palace’s first-ever WSL goal against Chelsea.
Jo Potter’s side also had to withstand early pressure from the visitors. Allyson Swaby cleared a Chelsea effort from the goal line, before goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin made a double save to deny Melvine Malard.
Chelsea responded after the interval and levelled six minutes into the second half when Malard struck a powerful effort into the top corner. Palace had an opportunity to restore their advantage through Bethany England, but her effort from a deep free-kick went over the bar.
Malard completed her brace in the 75th minute to put Chelsea ahead. Palace were then awarded a penalty after Bartrip was judged to have fouled inside the area, and substitute Sandy Baltimore converted to complete the scoring.
The result leaves Palace 12th in the WSL, with other fixtures still to be played.
