Crystal Palace Women opened their WSL Subway Players Cup league-phase campaign with a 1-0 win over Watford at Sutton, as Shannon O’Brien’s late header settled a closely fought contest.
Jo Potter made 10 changes from the side that started against Tottenham, with Academy midfielder Amy Moynihan handed her first senior start. Palace controlled much of the ball during a cagey opening period, while Beth England twice tested Watford goalkeeper Naomi Williams and Molly-Mae Sharpe went close from distance.
Kirsty Howat and Hayley Nolan also threatened before half-time, but the Eagles went into the interval level. The introduction of Teyah Goldie and Aimee Everett increased Palace’s attacking urgency after the restart, with England and Goldie having efforts blocked as the hosts applied further pressure.
Palace were twice denied by the woodwork. Everett struck the crossbar from inside the penalty area, while O’Brien hit the post shortly after coming on for England. The substitute eventually found the breakthrough when Sharpe created the opportunity for her to head home.
Watford posed a late threat, but an offside decision halted one attack before Shae Yanez saved from Aoibheann Clancy to secure Palace’s clean sheet and their winning start. The Eagles next return to league action against Birmingham before hosting Charlton in the Cup one week later.
