A Crystal Palace side who played the last 30 minutes with 10-players battled to a goalless draw with London City Lionesses at Princes Park this afternoon.
In one of only three FA Women’s Championship games to go ahead, London City Lionesses welcomed neighbours Crystal Palace to the Princes Park for a London derby. A feisty affair produced no goals, however, there was one red card with Amber Stobbs dismissed for the visitors.
It was a relatively even opening period with neither side creating too many clear chances. The biggest talking point of the first half came when Cherelle Khassal was bundled over in the Lionesses area but the referee waved the penalty shouts away.
However, Palace were possibly fortunate themselves not to be down to 10 players after a couple of rash, lunging challenges from Amber Stobbs, but they only warranted the solitary yellow card in the eyes of the referee.
Stobbs was shown a second yellow after the break when London City Lionesses threatened to counter and she tripped Freda Ayisi. Palace therefore had to play the remaining 30 minutes a player light which allowed the hosts to pile on the pressure. They very nearly had the lead from the resulting free-kick which found the head of Atlanta Primus but her effort struck the bar and the ball deflected out of play.
The home side had some decent chances of note late on with Lily Agg firing in an effort from distance but her shot was well held by Chloe Morgan. Melissa Phillips’ side then had the chance to win it at the death when substitute Flo Fyfe’s looping volley from the edge of the 18-yard box looked to be heading for the top corner, however, she was denied by the outstretched hand of Morgan who was able to keep her side level.
That was how the game finished with neither side able to get on the scoresheet and going away with a share of the spoils. London City Lionesses will see it as opportunity missed following the dismissal of Stobbs, whereas Palace will definitely be happy with the point. Both sides remain level in the FA Women’s Championship with 12 points and unable to close the gap on the top six.
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