Crystal Palace marked their return to the Women’s Super League with a 1-0 win over Everton, courtesy of a debut goal from summer signing Lexi Lloyd-Smith.
Lloyd-Smith Seals the Win
Seven players made their Crystal Palace debut, and it was one of those debutants – Lexi Lloyd-Smith – who helped secure victory for The Eagles.
She broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, dispossessing Everton’s Rion Ishikawa before running clear and slotting past goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan for her first goal in Palace colours.
Everton had their moments to equalise, with Zara Kramzar hitting the woodwork and Ornella Vignola and Ruby Mace both having shots cleared off the line.
At the other end, Abbie Larkin also went close for the hosts, with Lloyd-Smith seeing a second attempt disallowed for offside. Her efforts impressed Crystal Palace Manager Jo Potter – but she wasn’t surprised by what she’d seen.
“I’m not surprised; I see it daily,” she explained. “She’s got so much potential; we don’t know where her ceiling is right now, and she shows up, and she keeps showing up. I think she can go and be one of the best in this league.”
A Big Result For Crystal Palace
This is a promising start for a Crystal Palace side that struggled badly last time they were in the WSL. They were relegated by a 10-point margin with only two wins to their name in 2024-25.
However, they’ll be hoping that Lloyd-Smith can continue her debut form and help the club stay in the WSL’s top division this time round.
She joined from Bristol City in the summer on a three-year contract, arriving off the back of a WSL2 Golden Boot, having scored 11 times in 21 games for the Robins last season.
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