it’s matchday
Welcome back to the VBS Community Stadium in Sutton, where Crystal Palace Women take on Birmingham City in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2!
have some festive fun!
We will also be running a raffle in the Fanzone, with some amazing prizes to be won. You could win a signed shirt, specially designed shoes from Lola Brown and signed boots from Annabel Blanchard!
As always there will be live music from DJ SRae, free facepainting, and a special Arts and Craft station in the Fanzone!
Get behind the team, be loud, be proud, and be Palace!
jopotter
Welcome back to everyone at the VBS Community Stadium. As we enter the next phase of the season, it’s important to take stock of the last few weeks, which have been a sharp lesson in the fine margins that define competitive football at this level.
We’ve experienced the high of getting to the League Cup quarterfinals and the sting of a disappointing league defeat, and together they have given us a clear indication of where we are and where we must go.
Our defeat to Sheffield United was a frustrating afternoon. Losing a game is one thing but losing it knowing you haven’t fully capitalised on your dominance is another.
The issue wasn't the build-up; it was the final pass, the conviction in the box, and the mental switch to finish. We discussed how good players must become great decision-makers under pressure, and in that game, we simply hesitated. We allowed the opposition to breathe, and at this level, breathing room is a mistake.
These moments remind us of the fact that talent and hard work alone won’t suffice; we need ruthless efficiency. That’s why the subsequent 2-1 victory against Ipswich Town felt so necessary.
To secure a vital three points away from home, showcasing the mental resilience required to bounce back immediately, was extremely pleasing. The quality of our goals was superb, but more importantly, we saw the
application of pressure in key areas and the desire to ensure that the Sheffield result was just a blip, not a trend.
The pinnacle of this period, without question, was the 3-0 League Cup win over Leicester City. To secure this club’s second-ever League Cup quarter-final place is a magnificent achievement, and a true testament to the quality and depth we have built here.
We controlled the tempo, we shut down their opportunities, and we took our goals with authority. What pleased me most was the control we exerted against a quality WSL side.
That win wasn’t down to luck; it was the execution of a game plan, where every player knew their role, particularly in breaking down their defensive structure and forcing errors high up the pitch.
The confidence gained from that performance, knowing we can compete and win convincingly against top-tier opposition, is invaluable, and it elevates the collective belief of the entire squad. The cup run has been a huge boost to momentum, but we must use it to raise the bar for our league performances.
Looking ahead, there is a lot of excitement for the quarter-final against Arsenal, but our immediate and most
critical focus is right here, today, at the VBS Community Stadium, against second-placed Birmingham City.
This match is the perfect test of the consistency I've been demanding. Birmingham are where they are in the table because of their organisation and efficiency. They won't afford us the kind of possession we saw against Sheffield United without challenging us physically and mentally.
Therefore, today requires translating the ruthless efficiency we showed against Leicester in the cup back into the league.
We need to win the individual battles in the midfield, dominate setpieces both offensively and defensively, and ensure our defensive line is compact and disciplined.
Facing a side sitting second in the table requires tactical discipline, a relentless work-rate, and clinical finishing. If we can maintain the standards we set in the cup, we know we have the quality to get a result against anyone.
Get behind the team and enjoy the game today!
Jo Potter
aimee everett
Welcome back to the VBS Community Stadium! I want to open by personally thanking every single one of you who has followed us through this intensive period. Your support has never been more important, and your energy is genuinely what sustains us on the pitch.
When I reflect on the last few weeks, the overriding theme for me has been character. This squad isn't just talented; there is a real spirit and determination to win, even if things don't go our way.
My role as captain isn't just about wearing the armband; it’s about reading the mood, knowing which players need a quiet word, and ensuring that our winning spirit never wavers, regardless of the scoreline.
The Sheffield United result earlier in November was deeply frustrating because we know we let three points slip through our fingers. The gaffer speaks about clinical moments, and after that match, we had a dressing room talk that was less about anger and more about accountability.
We didn't allow excuses. We collectively drilled down into the details of where we lacked that killer instinct. That feeling of disappointment, that failure to execute when it mattered most, is what we immediately had to put right.
And put it right, we did. The 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town was huge.
That wasn't a win based on pretty football; it was a win built on discipline and executing the plan we had made during the week.
Securing those three points away from home against a tricky side proved that the Ipswich result was not an anomaly, but proof that our team culture prioritises fight above all else. That’s the grit that defines a promotioncontending side.
Then came the Leicester City win. What a statement! To beat a WSL side 3-0 and secure this club’s second-ever League Cup quarter-final place is huge. That performance was the complete package: tactical intelligence, defensive solidity, and a ruthless edge that we demanded after the Sheffield game.
Not only did we put three past a quality WSL side, we also kept our first clean sheet of the season – an immense source of pride for everyone involved.
The momentum that result generates isn't just a mood boost; it’s a tangible belief that we can compete at the highest level. We stood toe-to-toe with a top-flight club and dominated, which should serve as a benchmark
for every league match we play from now on.
But all those highs and lows bring us to today: the biggest test of the lot against second-placed Birmingham City here at the VBS Community Stadium. Birmingham are a quality sideorganised, disciplined, and very difficult to break down.
We know the challenge is immense, but this is exactly the kind of fixture we need to win to show the rest of the league where our ambitions lie.
Today, we need the energy of the Ipswich fight, the resilience of the Leicester cup win, and a collective commitment to leave nothing in reserve.
We need you, the fans, to make this stadium a cauldron of noise. We need you to be louder than ever before, because your voice lifts us through those difficult second-half moments. We’ve worked too hard, and come too far, to let points slip away now.
Let’s get the job done together!
Up The Palace!
last time out
Goals from Ashleigh Weerden and Abbie Larkin earned Crystal Palace Women a 2-1 win away at Ipswich Town in the Barclays Women's Super League 2.
The Eagles were down 1-0 at half-time thanks to a 22nd minute Sophie Peskett effort, but second-half strikes from Ashleigh Weerden and Abbie Larkin got Palace their second win of the WSL2 campaign.
It was an even first-half in Colchester, with both teams managing to create chances, but it was the hosts that converted theirs first.
Justine Vanhaevermaet, who came on to replace Allyson Swaby in the 20th minute, had her pocket picked by Peskett who ran towards goal and slotted the ball under Shae
Yañez to make it 1-0.
Vanhaevermaet almost attoned for her mistake just before the halftime whistle, but her headed effort was just wide of the goal and Palace went into the break 1-0 down.
The second-half was a different story to the first, with Jo Potter's side constantly on the offensive.
Kirsty Howat adopted the role of creator-in-chief and laid on a number of chances for the Palace attack.
The first saw Annabel Blanchard played into a very dangerous position, but the midfielder could not get her finish right and the equaliser was denied.
Then, on the hour mark, Palace made Ipswich pay, thanks to Weerden.
The winger was found on the
birmingham city f.c.
the blues
WSL founders
The Blues are one of the founding members of the FA Women’s Super League in 2011, finishing second in the league in both the 2011 and 2012 seasons, narrowly missing out on the title to Arsenal on both occasions. They are also one of the oldest women’s football teams in the division, having been founded in 1968.
FA Cup winners
Nearly 9000 fans saw Birmingham City win the FA Cup at Ashton Gate in May 2012, where the Blues beat Chelsea on penalties after drawing 2-2 in extra-time. They joined a pretty exclusive list, as only 18 teams have won the Women’s FA Cup since it’s inception in 1970.
A hotbed of talent
The Blues have produced a number of high-profile footballers in recent years, including current Lionesses Jess Carter and Hannah Hampton. They also brought through legendary midfielder Karen Carney and Palace’s own Jo Potter, who made 152 appearances for Birmingham City.
Home sweet home
Birmingham City Women have played at St Andrews, home of the men’s first team, since the 2021/22 season, as part of an ongoing commitment to supporting the women’s team. Palace fans can look forward to an exciting away day at the 29,409 capacity stadium when the teams meet again in February.
Lily Crosthwaite has made a blistering start to her career in the Midlands, with the forward having scored four and assisted three in nine league games so far. The 23-year-old signed from Durham in the summer and has been a key part of Birmingham’s flourishing attack in the WSL2 this season.
“Incredibly proud of the group, I thought they showed a lot of character and heart tonight. What a game, what a performance as well!”
we thesupport palace
Matchdays at Sutton are made by the fans. The CPFCW Supporters Group are an independent supporters group run by loyal Palace fans who are committed to improving the matchday experience and increasing attendances at games. Read below about what some of the members have said about following Palace Women, and scan the QR codes to follow them on X and Instagram.
“Following Crystal Palace Women means everything to me and my family — it’s a welcoming, inclusive community where we all belong. As a founder of the supporters group, I’m proud to help build the support these incredible women deserve.” Claire, Ivy and Thomas
“CPFCW has become like family. It’s the first time in football where I’ve truly felt I am part of it, & where the players and fans have a bond that has seen us all represent the club up and down the country with pride.”
Mike Cuell (Eagle Eye View podcast)
"We came to a home match back when Palace Women played at Hayes lane. Within a very short space of time we found new connections to the game. Player interactions and joining in with the singing soon became our happy place.
CPFCW players have ignited our love of the game but the players have inspired our children. One driven now to play in goal and the other a striker"
Mims, Claire, Darcie and Oscar
"Going to the Palace Womens games is very important to me, I love how close, comfortable, and welcoming the atmosphere is. I've made a lot of friends since coming, and i enjoy every second! (Except when we lose)"
Tony (Leftside)
"Reasons why I attend palace women’s games: I love Palace and want to show support to all levels. I started following the palace women when they were in the regional divisions so have gotten to know the players over the years and been on the journey with them"
Bart
"I came along once & was straight away made to feel I was in the CPFCW gang! & what a brilliant gang to be in!"
Dayve
"We love coming to Sutton to watch our women play and meet up with the loyal who have become good friends."
Mark and Michelle
This is our 4th season following CP women and can’t imagine cheering anyone else - we have a great team ! Also there is a lovely community / family / inclusivity feel around the ground.
Families are very welcome and it’s a lovely Sunday afternoon out and there is something for everyone in the fan zone
Forza CP women
HOW THE EAGLES SOAR.
