Crystal Palace crowned Championship title winners at Selhurst Park | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have officially been crowned the Barclays Women’s Championship’s title winners at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles went into this afternoon’s clash with Sunderland knowing that the title was already virtually sealed, barring a 22-goal swing in the goal difference. Crystal Palace went on to record a 0-0 draw with The Black Cats to seal their title success in front of a record crowd of 6,796.

The first half was competitive, although quality goalscoring opportunities were limited. Molly Sharpe sent a shot over the bar for Crystal Palace before Sunderland defender Amy Goddard tested home keeper Demi Lambourne at the other end.

Visiting keeper Claudia Moan then denied Araya Dennis before Sharpe headed over from a corner kick.

The best chance of the first half came in stoppage time. Emily Scarr crossed for Ellen Jones but her close range effort was blocked by Lambourne, a let-off for the home side.

Crystal Palace started the second half well and Fliss Gibbons dragged a shot wide before Lexi Potter’s deep cross stumped the far post. At the other end, Natasha Fenton attempted a cheeky long-range lob but was unable to direct the ball on target.

Just after the hour, Sunderland were unlucky not to be ahead. Jenna Dear took aim from 20 yards but her effort crashed off the bar. Katy Watson then found herself with a sight of goal but fired over before Brianna Westrup went close when she challenged to get on the end of a delivery into the box but she couldn’t get her header on target.

Both sides had chances in the closing stages of the game. Dear went close for Sunderland with a shot that went agonisingly wide before Sharpe failed to get her effort on target at the other end as the contest ended goalless.

Crystal Palace’s promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League will be confirmed in due course once the club are granted a top tier licence.