With Crystal Palace dropping just two points from their first nine games in FA WPL South East Division 1, we spoke with pacey left-sided player Alma Donohoe about the Eagles flying start.
SK: Tell us a little of your own football career to date
AD: I played at various levels as a youngster and went to the Arsenal Academy from 14-16. I played for Cambridge University when I studied economics there, and at KiKK FC in East London for six seasons before one year at West Ham. I joined Palace at the start of last season.
SK: The Eagles have made a flying start, have there been any changes or/ improvements on or off field over the summer?
AD: We have hit the ground running certainly after an intense pre-season, but we all know that it’s a long campaign. We did what we were able to push on after going so close to back to back promotions last season.
We had some good additions over the summer, both on and off the pitch. Clint Lancaster joined the first team coaching staff from the Reserves, allowing Dean Davenport [Head Coach] to have a view of the whole squad. This has worked really well and started from minute one of pre-season when the squad really put in the miles.
New players have joined us this season and added real strength in depth to the squad, with Chanelle Yardley adding to our keepers, midfielders Leesa Haydock and Pam McRoberts signing, and players making progress from our Reserves, we have really strengthened across the squad. The girls know how close we came last season and are determined to do their best to go one better this time around. It’s a real feeling of unity and positivity.
SK: Who do you see as your main rival(s) for the title and why?
AD: I guess before the season started we knew Gillingham would be the favorites, having come down from the league above. So far, this seems to be the case. They have started well, added strength themselves and have good shape and discipline. Our 5-0 result against them in early September was huge and one we know they will be looking to rectify when we play then again. 
SK: Palace are known for their good vocal backing, has this gone up a gear since the World Cup?
AD: Our support is fantastic – the boys with the noise! ??Even before I arrived at the club, I was aware of the support Palace Ladies had. It is great to see the renowned Palace fan base backing our team and is something that means a lot to the players. They are our 12th player and do a lot for the club off the pitch too.
Since the World Cup, we have seen an increase in spectator numbers at our games – many new faces and lots of youngsters. Throughout the season, we have had families bringing their little girls to their first ever football match. We try and make their day special and ask if the girls want to lead the team out as mascots. The kids love it and hopefully will be our supporters, if not players, of the future.
SK: Who have been / will be your most important opponents in the campaign and why?
AD: As mentioned, I think the games against Gillingham will certainly be some of the key matches, as will the games against other teams around us. The reality is, over a long season, you can not discount the experience of other teams, such as MK Dons and Luton Town. To be honest, and whilst it’s a cliché, there are no easy games in this league and as has been shown over the last two seasons, teams can always take points off each other. As with last season, It could easily end up going to the wire.
For goal hoighlights of Crystal Palace’s 5-1 win over Ipswich Town yesterday, click here.
Images by Michael Huff
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