Bottom of the league Palace ladies hosted top of the league Barnet at Whytleafe on Sunday afternoon.
Manager Quinton Naidoo named several changes from the side that lost to Keynsham last week. Sam Sharp returned in goal, while Natalie Curtis replaced an injured skipper Sian Cheedy (broken toe) at centre half, Kim Morris started at right back and Hayley Sloan moved from centre midfield to left back.
In midfield there was a first start for last season's Player of the Year Laura East, who has just returned from playing in the women's professional league in Iceland.
Confidence was high amongst the Bees and they started the game the brighter of the two sides.
But, despite having a large share of possession they failed to break down a resilient Palace defence, and were limited to several long range efforts and corners.
The first goal scoring chance did fall to Barnet when a good move down the left found Stacey Stowden whose shot cannoned of the cross bar.
Palace struck back immediately when Abigail Ingram broke clear of the Barnet defence, but she dragged her shot just wide.
Barnet took the lead in the 33rd minute when a cross was headed into the bottom corner by a Bees winger.
They then doubled their lead just before half time when, against the run of play they broke and caught Palace on the counter attack.
The second half started with Barnet seizing the iniative and trying to find that third and decisive goal to end the game. However it was Palace who looked the likelier of the two sides to score as they managed to frustrate the league leaders and forced them into making several errors, one of which led to the Palace goal.
Lone striker Abigail Ingram competed well on the edge of the 18 yard box, and despite being fouled still managed to set up East whose first time shot curled into the top corner.
Palace then pushed for that equalising goal, however some excellent defending from the league leaders meant the game finished 2-1.
After the game Quinton Naidoo, although disappointed was pleased with his side's performance:
"Yes it's another loss, but I am proud of the girls. They pushed the best team in the league all the way.
"There was tons of effort and commitment but also a large degree of quality in our performance. I hope this will be the turning point in our season and hopefully we can kick on from here".
For a full fixture list and up to date table click here.
