Crystal Palace gave a debut to Hayley Ladd on Monday night and she shone on her first appearance for the club, with a screamer to secure all three points.
The Eagles returned from winter break with a 1-0 win against Sheffield United to keep their promotion hopes alive.
Hayley Ladd nets screamer on debut
Crystal Palace dominated in their first WSL2 game of the year but they struggled to find a breakthrough against Sheffield United.
The Blades stood strong at home, as they prevented Palace from scoring despite efforts hitting the post and having a goal disallowed for offside.
It looked like the deadlock wouldn’t be broken in Sheffield but a late free kick changed everything.
Hayley Ladd signed for the Blades from Everton over the weekend and she made an immediate impact on her debut.
The 32-year-old came off the bench at half time and with just five minutes left to play she stepped up in the biggest way.
Ladd whipped a free kick from the edge of the box right into the top corner – leaving Sian Rogers no chance in goal.
DEBUT DELIGHT FOR LADD 🤩
Now THAT is how you introduce yourself to your new fans 🔥@cpfc_w #BarclaysWSL2 pic.twitter.com/yDlhvnvJVT
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) January 12, 2026
Palace held on after the screamer for an important 1-0 win as they entered 2026 with a huge three points.
Is promotion on for Crystal Palace?
A win against Sheffield United was huge for Palace on their return this week.
Jo Potter’s side have now won four on the bounce in WSL2 and they are keeping pace with the promotion hopefuls.
There is just three points separating the Eagles in fifth and Birmingham in second, with the Championship title race really heating up now.
Up to three teams can earn promotion to the top flight this season. The WSL is expanding to 14 teams after this season, with the top two in the Championship earning immediate promotion to the WSL.
Third place will face bottom of the WSL in a playoff game to decide the final team of the 14 for next season.
Palace have a huge game against Chelsea coming up next. Potter’s side will play the Blues in the FA Cup Fourth Round on Saturday afternoon before hosting Durham in the Championship.
