Brighton bounce back to beat struggling Palace
Caitlin Hayes and Sophie Peskett scored twice in five minutes as Brighton came from behind to beat rivals Crystal Palace in what was a deserved victory for the Seagulls.
Women's Super League strugglers Palace took a surprise first-half lead with their first shot of the game from Annabel Blanchard.
But Brighton bounced back after the break with Hayes heading home the equaliser from a Manuela Vanegas cross in the 59th minute.
Then they got in front when Peskett diverted Emilie Joramo's wayward low shot towards goal and into the net.
It was nothing less than the hosts deserved as they victory moved them up to sixth in the WSL table while Palace are without a win in seven after their third defeat in a row.
The Seagulls started fast and had the early chances with Maisie Symonds denied by a fine save from Palace keeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin before Fran Kirby and Olaug Tvedten both had opportunities.
Then Brighton keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie's poor pass fell to Hayley Ladd and she quickly shifted the ball to Blanchard, who curled home from distance to give Palace the lead against the run of play in the 34th minute.
Palace only managed one more shot on target late on, but Brighton turned the game around after the break.
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home team, Brighton & Hove Albion
Manager: Arturo Ruiz
Formation: 4 - 4 - 2
away team, Crystal Palace
Manager: Jo Potter
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
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Match ends, Brighton and Hove Albion Women 2, Crystal Palace Women 1.
Second Half ends, Brighton and Hove Albion Women 2, Crystal Palace Women 1.
Substitution, Brighton and Hove Albion Women. Taylor Warren replaces Fran Kirby.
Attempt saved. Lexi Lloyd-Smith (Crystal Palace Women) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the bottom right corner by Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton and Hove Albion Women). Assisted by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.
Foul by Maisie Symonds (Brighton and Hove Albion Women).
Sierra Enge (Crystal Palace Women) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Corner, Brighton and Hove Albion Women. Conceded by Hayley Ladd.
Attempt blocked. Manuela Vanegas (Brighton and Hove Albion Women) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Substitution, Brighton and Hove Albion Women. Bex Rayner replaces Olaug Tvedten.
Substitution, Brighton and Hove Albion Women. Emily Murphy replaces Sophie Peskett.
Fourth official has announced 3 minutes of added time.
Sierra Enge (Crystal Palace Women) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Olaug Tvedten (Brighton and Hove Albion Women) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Sierra Enge (Crystal Palace Women).
Attempt missed. Fran Kirby (Brighton and Hove Albion Women) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Marit Auée.
Substitution, Crystal Palace Women. Allyson Swaby replaces Teyah Goldie.
Corner, Crystal Palace Women. Conceded by Caitlin Hayes.
Attempt blocked. Lexi Lloyd-Smith (Crystal Palace Women) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Annabel Blanchard.
Foul by Sophie Peskett (Brighton and Hove Albion Women).
Sierra Enge (Crystal Palace Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
