Crystal Palace Women

Women's Super League 2

Southampton F.C. Women

No sooner had Ladd signed for Palace than she bagged her first goal for the club, curling a free-kick into the top corner against Sheffield United.

It was as good as debut goals come, and it set the tone for a very positive month for the Wales international.

She sat down this week to talk about that goal, her start to life in South London, and what to expect against the Saints.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In case you missed it 👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿</p>&mdash; Crystal Palace F.C. Women (@cpfc_w) <a href="https://twitter.com/cpfc_w/status/2011068213476348040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking about her first few weeks at Palace, Ladd said: "My first month at the club has been, well, a bit of a whirlwind, but so enjoyable as well.

"I found the girls so welcoming and just brilliant to be around from the get-go.

"Everyone has been super welcoming, but probably Chloë Arthur and Jamie-Lee Napier in particular have been really helpful, showing me around the building and just getting me comfortable and familiar with everything.

"Elise Hughes and Josie Green, obviously the fellow Welshies, they've definitely been very welcoming. I have just loved everything so far."

Ladd has represented Wales 111 times, but spent her earlier years in Hertfordshire.

She spoke about the move to London from Liverpool and the benefit of being closer to her family and friends.

Ladd said: "I'm originally from just north of London. I guess I didn't think of it too much in terms of homecoming but it has been so amazing to be back in the city and connected to my family and friends more easily.

"I've had lots of people coming to the games and obviously last week was our first home game at Sutton and I had a big turnout, I think had about 10 people there - a mixture of family and friends, so it's been brilliant!"

It's been a good start on the pitch as well.

Ladd spoke about that Sheffield United goal and what was going through her head when she stepped up to take it.

"I think Ash \[Weerden\] won the free kick and then she was kind of looking around - 'does anybody want it?' 

"And then she asked me and I was like: 'yeah, I don't mind!'

"I've not taken free kicks in a long time, so I didn't really see myself as the number one person to put forward. But, yeah, I was happy to give it a crack. 

"And I think I've scored a few free kicks over the course of my career so fortunately, I can add this one to my collection. And definitely it's the most special," she said.

I think part of that good form is just being hungry to get better, to not be satisfied with wins

She continued: "I know it was a brilliant start, definitely one that I didn't didn't expect. I was just so grateful to kind of get on the pitch and try and help the team move forward.

"As a team, I think we are hitting a really nice run of form. We're definitely not satisfied. I think part of that good form is just being hungry to get better, to not be satisfied with wins.

"You just want to keep it going, game after game, focusing on that next cup final, and just keeping the focus and the momentum moving forwards.

"I think it's been plain sailing in terms of me coming into the team and joining midway through that streak and already enjoying the fruits of the team hitting a great run of form."

Finally, she looked ahead to Palace's visit to St Mary's, and what the Eagles can expect against the Saints.

Ladd said: "I can already attest to every game of the WSL2 being really tough.

"I don't know much about Southampton, but I obviously know that they're a really strong side and going away from home is never easy as well.

"So, we certainly will have to turn all our focus towards this game and give it our best shot and hopefully come out with three points."

**Ladd and the team return to the VBS Community Stadium in Sutton on Sunday, 8th February to take on Bristol City.**

**Get your tickets for this game by clicking the button below!**

Buy Bristol City tickets here!

January signing Hayley Ladd has seamlessly fit into life at Crystal Palace since her transfer from Everton. She talks about the move back to London, how she felt after scoring that free-kick against Sheffield United, and looks ahead to Southampton on Sunday.

Hayley Ladd on London life, that free-kick, and the desire to get even better

Southampton F.C. Women v Crystal Palace Women (2026-02-01)

It was an absolute goalfest the last time Palace faced the Saints, where the [VBS was treated to a 4-4 thriller on the 14th September.](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/report-palace-draw-with-southampton-in-eight-goal-thriller/)

Southampton currently sit just one point below the Eagles in the WSL2 table, so this south coast clash will be crucial to Palace's promotion hopes.

Tickets can be purchased directly from the Southampton website, click the button below to secure your spot!

Buy Southampton away tickets here!

#### **Match Details**

**Southampton Women vs Crystal Palace Women:**

- **Opponent: Southampton Women**
- **Date: Sunday, 1st February**
- **Time: 14:00**
- **Competition: Barclays Women's Super League 2**
- **Venue: St Mary's**

#### **Ticket Price**

- **Adult:** £10.00

- **Under-18's:** £4.00

#### **Important Information**

- **Away supporters are advised to book in Block 45.**

Tickets are on sale to Crystal Palace Women's away game at St Mary's, where they take on Southampton in the Barclays Women's Super League 2 on Sunday 1st February at 14:00.

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Southampton F.C. Women Crystal Palace Women

Women's Super League 2St. Mary's Stadium

News & Video

Stats

Table

Women

Women

Hayley Ladd on London life, that free-kick, and the des...

Latest videos

Recent Meetings

Women's Super League 2

Head-To-Head

Form

Season so far