YEOVIL TOWN LADIES 0

CRYSTAL PALACE LFC 1

YEOVIL Town Ladies succumbed to a late goal from Women’s Championship side Crystal Palace, despite dominating the game in their second group match of the Continental Cup.

The Glovers took to the field for their first game at their new home at Dorchester Town’s Avenue Stadium, and a 301-strong crowd were treated to a strong performance from the new-look Yeovil side, but a Jordan Butler finish ended up being the difference for the Eagles.

Olivia Fergusson, fresh from scoring her first goal for the club at London Bees last weekend, looked lively early on and almost broke the deadlock on six minutes after she was played in by Amber Gaylor, only for the forward to be ruled offside.

The home side continued to create chances but it remained goalless at the break.

Yeovil once again asserted their dominance after half-time and the introduction of Annie Heatherson bolstered the home side’s attacking threat.

Player of the match Bonnie Horwood’s corner eluded everyone in the Palace box, including goalkeeper Megan Lynch, and Heatherson very nearly headed home just past the hour mark.

But after missing a host of chances, the Glovers were made to pay with just 10 minutes left to play, when after failing to deal with a corner Butler took full advantage and headed home.

The visitors nearly added a second in the dying minutes of the game when substitute Chloe Burr struck the crossbar but the home side continued to throw everything at Palace in search of a deserved equaliser.

Substitute Ellie Mason almost scored the leveller in spectacular style but her overhead kick flashed just wide of the post and the Glovers slipped to defeat.

Yeovil now turn their attention to the Women’s Super League season, with the opening match at Reading FC Women just under two weeks away.