Crystal Palace all-but-secure their promotion to the WSL with victory at Lewes | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have all-but-secured their place in next season’s Barclays Women’s Super League after defeating Lewes at The Dripping Pan this afternoon.

Shanade Hopcroft and Molly Sharpe got the goals that have all-but-sealed The Eagles’ promotion. This afternoon’s result has also relegated opponents Lewes back to the FA Women’s National League.

Going into today’s action, Crystal Palace knew that a victory could see them promoted to the Barclays Women’s Super League with a game to spare, providing that they got the right result from the fixture involving Sunderland and Charlton Athletic. As the action unfolded, the South Londoners got their win and while Charlton Athletic were 1-0 winners at Sunderland, Crystal Palace go into the final day of the season with a three-point lead and a significantly better goal difference than The Addicks.

Crystal Palace broke the deadlock after 25 minutes against Lewes. Hopcroft took aim from 20 yards out and her effort sailed into the net. Sharpe doubled The Eagles’ advantage with a cool finish in the second half. Selhurst Park plays host to Crystal Palace’s final fixture of the season against Sunderland next weekend and a party atmosphere is expected with the Barclays Women’s Championship title virtually in the bag.

Crystal Palace hold a three-point advantage over remaining title-challengers Charlton Athletic while they have a goal difference that is 22 better than The Addicks meaning that Laura Kaminski’s side are set to get their hands on the league trophy.