Chelsea continued their strong start to the Barclays Women’s Super League season with a hard-fought victory over newly promoted Crystal Palace, overcoming an early setback to secure their sixth league win in seven matches.
Sonia Bompastor’s side had to work hard against a determined Palace team, who took a surprise lead through Molly Bartrip. However, a second-half brace from Melvine Malard and a late penalty from Sandy Baltimore completed the comeback and ensured the visitors left with all three points.
Chelsea Dominate Early Exchanges
The visitors started brightly, putting pressure on the Palace defence as they searched for an early breakthrough. The Blues created several opportunities in the opening stages, with Ellie Carpenter causing problems down the right and delivering dangerous balls into the penalty area.
However, the hosts showed impressive defensive resilience, producing a series of crucial blocks and goal-line clearances to keep their opponents at bay.
The south London outfit were forced into several last-ditch interventions, with defenders throwing themselves in front of the visitors’ efforts as Bompastor’s side struggled to turn their early dominance into goals. Despite controlling much of the possession, the Blues found the Eagles increasingly difficult to break down as the home side gradually grew into the contest and began creating opportunities of their own.
Bartrip Gives Palace a Surprise Lead
Against the run of play, the newly promoted side stunned their opponents by taking the lead through defender Molly Bartrip. Following a corner, she arrived unmarked at the back post and connected with the delivery on the volley, guiding the ball beyond Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
The goal marked a significant moment for the Eagles, as it was their first against the Blues in the Barclays Women’s Super League. It also gave the hosts confidence as they looked to cause an upset against one of the division’s leading teams.
The home side continued to threaten and created opportunities to double their advantage, but the visitors managed to prevent further damage.
At the other end, Bompastor’s players remained determined to find an equaliser. Palace goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin produced an outstanding save to deny Malard from close range, while the French forward was left frustrated after missing another promising opportunity.
However, Malard would soon make amends with a moment of individual brilliance.
Moments of Magic
The West Londoners’ persistence finally paid off when Malard produced a spectacular long-range strike to restore parity.
Finding space outside the penalty area, the forward lifted her head before unleashing a powerful effort beyond Peyraud-Magnin. The stunning finish brought the visitors level at 1-1 and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour.
It was an impressive response from Malard, who had missed a clear opportunity moments earlier but showed her composure and attacking quality when her side needed it most. With the equaliser secured, the Blues increased the pressure, forcing the Eagles deeper into their own half as they searched for a second goal.
Malard Completes the Comeback
The sustained pressure eventually resulted in another goal, with Malard once again proving decisive.
Substitute Baltimore made an immediate impact, showcasing her attacking quality with an excellent individual run before weaving past Palace defenders and delivering a delicate ball into the penalty area. Malard reacted quickly to meet the cross with a close-range header, completing her brace and giving the visitors the lead for the first time.
The goal highlighted the attacking understanding between the two forwards, with Baltimore and Malard combining to turn the contest in the Blues’ favour.
The hosts, who had defended resolutely during the opening stages, struggled to contain their opponents’ movement as Bompastor’s side began finding more space in dangerous areas.
The West Londoners continued to create chances, although further attempts were either blocked or sent off target. One powerful effort struck the post before Carpenter was unable to convert the rebound from a difficult angle, as the visitors looked to put the result beyond doubt.
Baltimore Seals Three Points
The Eagles’ hopes of rescuing a result suffered another setback when Bartrip brought down Malard inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick.
Baltimore stepped up and confidently fired the penalty beyond Peyraud-Magnin, who guessed the correct direction but could not keep the ball out. The goal, Baltimore’s first of the season, completed the comeback and secured a 3-1 victory for the Blues.
It capped an influential performance from the substitute, who had already played a key role in Malard’s second goal before getting on the scoresheet herself.
Chelsea Maintain Title Pressure
Despite the hosts’ determined display, the visitors’ attacking quality ultimately proved the difference.
The newly promoted outfit showed plenty of promise, particularly through their defensive organisation and ability to frustrate their opponents during the early stages. Their back line produced several important interventions, while Peyraud-Magnin made crucial saves to keep her side in contention.
However, Bompastor’s players demonstrated why they remain among the leading contenders for the Women’s Super League title. Their ability to respond after falling behind secured another important result, with six wins from their opening seven league fixtures keeping them firmly in the title picture.
Malard was the standout performer, scoring twice to inspire the comeback after an initially frustrating afternoon in front of goal. Baltimore also played a vital role, providing the attacking spark that helped unlock the home defence before converting the late penalty.
For the South Londoners, there will be disappointment at surrendering their advantage, but their performance against one of the division’s strongest sides offered positives to build upon.
Ultimately, the Blues’ experience, attacking depth and clinical finishing ensured they avoided an upset and continued their impressive league form.
Team Line-ups
Crystal Palace: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (GK), Aimee Everett (C), Lexi Lloyd-Smith, Bethany England, Hayley Ladd (90+5′ Sierra Enge), Annabel Blanchard (77′ Shannon O’Brien), Abbie Larkin, Tegan Goldie, Fuka Tsunoda, Allyson Swaby (90+5′ Jamie-Lee Mackay Napier), Molly Bartrip.
Substitutes: Shae Yañez (GK), Jamie-Lee Mackay Napier, Sierra Enge, Molly Sharpe, Kirsty Howat, Ashleigh Weerden, Hayley Nolan, Shanade Hopcroft, Shannon O’Brien.
Chelsea: Hannah Hampton (GK), Ellie Carpenter, Lucy Bronze (C), Kadeisha Buchanan, Katie McCabe, Sjoeke Nüsken (90′ Giulia Dragoni), Lexi Potter, Wieke Kaptein (69′ Agnes Beever-Jones), Alyssa Thompson (46′ Sandy Baltimore), Maika Hamano (46′ Erin Cuthbert), Melvine Malard (90′ Manaka Matsukubo).
Substitutes: Livia Peng (GK), Veerle Buurman, Nelly Las, Giulia Dragoni, Sandy Baltimore, Lola Brown, Erin Cuthbert, Manaka Matsukubo, Aggie Beever-Jones.
