Crystal Palace Ladies FC

The U13s Reds arrived at Wimbledon Chase ready for the anticipated tough battle against table topping Wimbledon. In cold conditions and a heavy pitch, manager Rick made sure that the team were well prepared for a much tougher match than last week.

The game commenced with great pace and no little quality from both sides, however CPLFC seemed to have more composure on the ball and their passing through defense to attack was of high quality. Lucy, Hannah and Emily held forth at the back and goalkeeper Rebekah was little to do for the first 15 mins.

The middle third of the half saw CPLFC pushing the Wimbledon defense further back and were unlucky not to score after strong attacking runs from Rebbecca, Elle, Hannah, Mia L and Maya. Whislt Shola was imperious in the centre of midfield, Wimbledon did have chances from long balls to their towering attacker and towards the end of the half caused the usually unflappable defense some panic with some pin-ball in our area.

In the last third of he half CPLFC were unbelievably unlucky not to score as the Wimbledon keeper pulled of fantastic saves from Rebecca and Elle and CPLFC were dominating the game at half time, forcing corners and scrappy clearances.

The second half began much like the first, despite a changes in from Rick, with India, Elizabeth and Mia Q introduced CPLFC took the game to Wimbledon, displaying a fine range of passing and at times completing greater than 6 passes to advance down the field. They really let the ball do the work.

Wimbledon were not out of the game and pushed an extra man upfront, making it 3 v 3 and the CPLFC defense had to concentrate to ensure they maintained a clean sheet, Lucy, Hannah, Emily and Shola keeping Wimbledon at bay, allowing Mia Q, Elizabeth, India and Hannah Mc to push forward.

As the second half drew on CPLFC increasingly looked the most likely to score, with Elizabeth denied by a brave save from the excellent Wimbledon goalkeeper however with few minutes to spare, Rebecca, breaching the Wimbledon back line again, sent across a superb, unselfish cross which Elle was delighted to hammer into the net ! The goal came after a move of multiple passes and was a fitting result for the teams endeavours thus far.

Wimbledon, now chasing the game with only a few mins to go attacked strongly but failed to capitalise on a deflected clearance, and CPLFC showed maturity with their clearances when necessary, and even took the ball to the Wimbledon corner flag to wind the clock down, however with literally no time left, won a dubious free kick from just outside the area.

With parents chewing their fingernails on both sides, and with everyone part from the Wimbledon keeper in CPLFC half, the free kick took a wicked deflection and smashed into Rebekah's face, was cleared, and the ref blew for full time.

Overall the game was of high quality, both teams played very well and in good spirit, and for the impartial observer must have been a pleasure to watch such a good standard of youth football.

CPLFC U13s Reds remain unbeaten this season, long let than continue !!