Quarter Final 

Kingsmeadow, Kingston-upon-Thames

Sunday 9th March 2025

Eight matches and eight rounds have been attended as  we reach the last eight teams in the competition.

The draw produced a north-south divide with both Manchester sides getting home ties and two London sides likewise.

With engineering work on the railways a big factor, I chose to visit the all conquering "Girlacticos" of Chelsea for a West v.South East London Derby. I am hoping for a shock but fully expecting the inevitable.

Spring looks to have arrived and the thermals not needed at last. 

First half Chelsea faster out of the starting blocks and managing to get in behind the Palace back line, maybe should have converted a couple of their chances but smart work from keeper Shae Yanez kept them at bay.

Palace had a foray forward with Clarissa Larissey out pacing Millie Bright but good cover from Natalie Bjorn prevented Annabelle Blanchard from applying the finishing touch.

The home side had the ball in the net on 31 minutes but the official had flagged for offside, Aggie Beevor-Jones the unlucky player.

The best Palace chance of the half came in added time when My Cato nicked the ball and an ambitious shot from distance had Hannah Hampton worried but her effort drifted wide. Half-time 0-0, and a good job done by the Palace defence to keep it goalless 

Second half continued in the same vein with pretty much constant pressure on the Palace goal. 

Chelsea looked more threatening thanks to subs Kaneryd, Nuskens and Ramirez being a constant threat.

The deadlock looked to have been broken on 56 minutes when Cat Macario put the ball in the net but her effort was ruled out by a late flag from the linesman.

The deciding goal came on 64 minutes after a  succession of corners from Ashley Lawrence, the visitors defence could only clear to the edge of the box where Lauren James guided the ball home with a calm left foot finish.

The result was never really in doubt, although Palace came close with a late effort in stoppage time where Molly Sharpe may look back and think she could have done better , but she didn't quite connect and Hampton was able to gather safely.

After eight added minutes, the referee stopped the contest and Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals.

FT: Chelsea 1 Palace 0

Brief highlights on the link below 

https://youtu.be/e-yWCDSqzqA?si=5GTaBR03UYe9siuD