Competing in the Southern Division of the PGA League between August and September, the stalemate with Palace at Hotspur Way in our final game of the first phase saw our youngsters secure fifth place and a spot in Division One for the first time in the Club’s Academy programme.
They will be joined by the remaining top four sides in the Southern Division – Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bristol City - alongside the top half teams from the Northern Division to form the top division in the second phase of the league, which is set to begin in October.
Palace, who were the only side that could jump above us in the table, were dealt a big blow early on in the contest when Selina Williams-Everett was shown a red card just 12 minutes in.
Chances were few and far between in the first period before we eventually broke the deadlock in the second half when Eloise Summers-Mee met Grace Bellwood’s cross to head home.
Despite being down to 10 players for a large portion of the game, Palace fought back and managed to find a leveller midway through the second period, but it was not enough for the Eagles to leapfrog in the table as we avoided defeat to make history in the PGA.
Speaking after the game, coach Matt said: "We are very disappointed with our performance as a team. We started the game well and caused Crystal Palace problems but, as the game went on, we dropped our standards massively, which is something we cannot accept.
"Going forward, we need to continue developing our ability to control games, manage the tempo in possession, and be more ruthless in the final third. While the game itself was disappointing, I’m incredibly proud of this group and what they have achieved since we started the season. To secure our place in Division One in the PGA is a fantastic accomplishment, and everyone involved deserves huge credit for the hard work, commitment and progress they have shown throughout the season."