Palace up to third in Championship as Haines nabs winner in 2-1 home win over Blackburn

By Football Reporter

Coral-Jade Haines scored the winner for Crystal Palace in the FA Women’s Championship for the second successive week as a 2-1 triumph over Blackburn Rovers at Hayes Lane took her side into third place.

Haines got the only goal away at Charlton last time out and she was on target again after Molly-Mae Sharpe had given the home side an early lead.

Annabel Blanchard’s second-half strike had briefly brought Rovers level before Haines secured all three points.

Palace made a fast start at Bromley, taking the lead after only nine minutes when Sharpe fired the hosts ahead against Rovers.

Her opener came largely against the run of play as Rovers settled well into the game, skipper Saffron Jordan drilling a free-kick towards goal from 25 yards out but she was unable to truly trouble Palace goalkeeper Emily Orman.

Palace held onto the lead until half-time, but Rovers came out fired-up after the break, Millie Chandarana blazing an early chance over the bar.

Rovers then had a strong penalty claim waved when the referee waved play on when Chandarana was taken out by keeper Orman.

But the visitors did deservedly draw level after 69 minutes when Jordan beat her marker before crossing into Blanchard who took one touch before firing home.

However, parity did not last long as Palace went back in front when Haines slotted home five minutes later.

Only a top save from Alex Brooks in the Blackburn goal prevented Haines from heading home a second but it would not matter as Palace hung on.

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