Crystal Palace Ladies reserves won their penultimate game of the season with a 1-0 win against Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies reserves.

The Eagles had much the better of the first half and made the break through in the 26^th minute. The ball was worked well down the left channel by midfielder, Natasha Mauri, who then whipped in a dangerous cross that was blocked by a defender. The ball rebounded to her and she hit it first time with her left foot. The ball fizzed past the keeper and nestled into the back of the net.

Palace tried to build on their lead but, although working the Brighton keeper on many occasions, they could not turn their dominance into goals.

In the second half, Brighton came out a revitalised team and began to work their way back into the game with plenty of possession. However, although they managed to force a handful of corners and some dangerous free-kicks, they were unable to test Kelly Cooper in the Palace goal until the 70^th minute.

A hand ball in the area by a Palace defender forced the referee to point to the spot and give Albion a lifeline. But Cooper guessed the right way and made a great initial save down to her bottom right-hand side, then got up well to save the rebound.

The rest of the game was played out with great attacking purpose as both sides looked for the all-important second goal. However, neither could manage it and the Eagles celebrated a hard-fought win.

Team: Cooper, Stewart, Eldridge, Rolfe, Duggen, Mitchell, Taylor, Mauri (Ascolate), Taniti (Longville), McDermott (Broomfield), Edmonds.

The Crystal Palace Ladies Reserve team's next match is at home to Colchester United on Sunday 11^th May. The next first team game will be at home to Keynsham and will be played on the same date.

In the second half brighton got into the stride and had a some good possession and although the forced a few corners and attacking free kick the were unable to test kelly cooper in goal until the 70th min. The away side were awarded a penalty after a hand ball in the box. The Palace number 1 made a great to her bottom right hand side and the bounced up to save the rebound as well.

Both teams continued to pushed forward in the latter stages to claim the games second goal, but it never came the egales celebrated a very hard fought win.



The res next game is at home to Colchester. The first team next game is home to Keynsham, both fixtures to be played Sunday 11 May