Crystal Palace too strong for City ladies

The game began with a minute’s silence for development squad coach Joe Sharpe, who passed away recently.

Chi started slowly, finding themselves under constant pressure from Palace for the majority of the first half.

Poppy Shine made an impression on her debut in goal, dealing with some of the early Palace threats with minimal fuss.

Eventually Palace pressure paid off as a long shot came to Shine for an initial save – but the ball went out to a Palace striker who made it 1-0.

A change of formation improved Chi’s confidence and a through ball set Brooke Pallant through on goal, only for the goalkeeper to save.

A free kick by Lauren Ellis went wide with Amy Bailey almost latching on to it.

Palace broke through again but Shine produced a great save at her near post.

Half-time gave Chichester a wake-up as they came out a different team.

They were much more positive and Natalie Clarke was playing some inch-perfect through balls for Amber Beaven down the left as she linked well with Hannah Chalk.

Palace were putting in some quite robust challenges and Jodie Prince took a hefty knock.

Carmen Kager came on for her and made an impression. She was all over the park winning balls and making some brilliant passes.

City created chances and constantly attempted to test the keeper, who matched them.

Slightly against the run of play, a long pass through the middle allowed Palace to break and make it 2-0.

Amy Bailey was through on goal but the goalkeeper pulled off an impressive double save.

Palace were finding their feet and as they broke through the DS defence, they came into an in-form Shine who pulled off a very impressive save to keep down the score.

There was many positives for Chi and they can build on this as they face Charlton at Clymping on Sunday (2pm).

CHI DEV SQUAD: Shine; Clarke, Chalk, Prince (Kager), Steed, Gould, Bailey, J Pallant, Ellis, B Pallant, Beaven.

* Chi City ladies’ first team had their game postponed. They are due to visit Shanklin on Sunday (2pm).

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