A much changed Palace team lined up against Fulham at Whyteleafe FC on Sunday 30th August.
Palace were without four key players - Gina Johnson, Ellie Bracey, Rachel Crossgell and Natalie Curtis, who were all unavailable for this game.
Two key players were making their debuts in red and blue; Aimee Peets signed from Chelsea and Sherelle Walters. Both players made an immediate impact - Aimee with her strength and vision and Sherelle with her pace and work ethic.
The first half saw Palace start the brighter, creating significantly more chances than Fulham with Abi Ingram coming closest - a one-on-one with the Fulham goalkeeper that went agonisingly wide.
Walters also created several opportunities for herself, with her pace constantly threatening the Fulham back four. However on this occasion she was unable to find the back of the net. With the Palace team working hard to close Fulham down, they were only able to muster half chances from a series of set pieces.
The second half saw The Eagles change their formation slightly, which had a positive impact on their play. With greater space in the middle of the park and more options out wide Palace were able to move the ball more freely and send searching balls into the channels.
But Palace could not capitalise on this, and in the last five minutes of the game Fulham found some space on the right wing, got to the by-line and squared the ball for an easy goal from five yards out.
Palace went very direct for the last five minutes in search of the equaliser, but when the final whistle blew the score remained 1-0 to Fulham.
Crystal Palace Ladies' next league game is away to West Ham United LFC on Sunday 6th September. Kick off is at 2pm
West Ham Ladies play their fixtures at Thurrock FC, Ship Lane, Grays, Essex, RM19 1YN
For a full fixture list and up-to-date table click here.
