Crystal Palace Ladies suffered their fourth away defeat of the season when they travelled to Cardiff City on Sunday.

The Eagles had stood firm for 70 minutes and did well to soak up all of the Cardiff pressure, but they finally succumbed to two second half goals from Ellie Davies and Terri Beddows.

The home side had the better of the early exchanges. Lisa Bird blasted her first shot straight into the arms of Palace keeper Sam Sharp, before Nicola Cousins' free kick almost found Tash Harding and Amie Lea at the far post.

Palace carved out their first opportunity on 15 minutes when striker Abigail Ingram aimed a speculative 30 yard strike at goal, but Cardiff keeper Rhian Nokes saved comfortably.

Harding and Bird again linked up well with Harding eventually forcing ex-Cardiff player, Sian Cheedy to clear off the line.

Crystal Palace's back four were holding up well under mounting City pressure and again cleared off the line when Marie Barrow was put through and powered a shot at goal.

The first half was marred by a nasty injury picked up by Cardiff's Sophie Ingle who needed treatment for a facial injury after a clash of heads. 

Despite all the Cardiff pressure, they were unable to get on the score sheet before half time and both teams went in level at the break.

Cardiff carried on the second half where they left off the first. Sharp saved another shot from Barrow and then saw Bird's dipping shot clip the crossbar and go over.

Eventually though the Palace defence succumbed to Cardiff's dominance.

On 70 minutes Lea sent over a deep cross from the right for Davies to stab home at the far post.

Shortly afterwards Cardiff made changes with Ellie Smith replacing Bird and then defender Lauren Townsend making way for Terri Beddows.

The substitutions had an almost immediate effect when, in the 85th minute, Davies floated in a corner where Beddows rose above everyone else to head the ball passed Sharp.

Palace Ladies were supposed to be in action on Wednesday evening against Charlton, but it has been postponed because Charlton's home ground is unavailable.

So Palace Ladies' next fixture is not until Sunday 11th October when they welcome Portsmouth to Whyteleafe.

For a full fixture list and up to date table click here.