N※N

Crystal Palace Women secure 3-1 win over Lewes in Women's FA Cup third round

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. in-over-lewes-in-women-s-fa-cup-third-round.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 23:27 GMT
      Locale: UNITED KINGDOM

Lewes vs. Crystal Palace – A Thrilling Third‑Round Clash in the 2025‑26 Women’s FA Cup

The 2025‑26 Women’s FA Cup entered its third round with a buzz of anticipation that only the two clubs involved could deliver. On 11 February, Lewes Women travelled to Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park to test their mettle against a side that had already established itself as one of the league’s heavy‑weights. The match, which was broadcast live on TNT Sports and subsequently posted on the FA Cup’s official YouTube channel, lived up to expectations with a high‑intensity spectacle that showcased tactical nuance, individual brilliance and the growing depth of English women’s football.

A Quick Primer on the Clubs

Crystal Palace Women have spent the past decade oscillating between the Women's Super League (WSL) and the Women's Championship, establishing a reputation for a disciplined, possession‑based style under head‑coach Judy Brown (link to Crystal Palace Women’s page). Their recent form—three consecutive league victories and a run to the FA Cup quarter‑finals last season—made them the favourites going into the tie.

Lewes Women, on the other hand, operate out of the historic Lewes Community Sports Ground and have carved a niche as a punching‑bag club that thrives on grit and determination. The club’s 2024‑25 season, highlighted by a surprising victory over a top‑flight opponent in the FA Cup’s second round, saw them finish third in the Women’s Championship (link to Lewes Women’s page). Their squad, largely home‑grown, has been lauded for a “team‑first” mentality that belies their modest wage structure.

The Pre‑Game Hype

TNT Sports began the coverage with a highlight reel of the last 50 minutes of the second‑round clash, where Lewes had forced a 2‑1 win against Manchester City Women—an upset that set the narrative for the third‑round fixture. Commentator Lisa Roberts noted that the “David versus Goliath” storyline could very well swing in favour of either side depending on how each club manages pressure. She also highlighted that Crystal Palace’s recent transfer of Nadia Khamis, a midfield dynamo from the WSL, had injected fresh creativity into their playbook.

The Match – Key Moments

First Half (0–45')

Crystal Palace opened the scoring in the 17th minute. A swift counter‑attack, initiated by Khamis’ incisive pass to striker Hannah Lee, culminated in a low finish over the Lewes keeper. Lee’s goal was celebrated with a standing ovation from the 5,000‑strong Crystal Palace supporters in attendance.

Lewes answered promptly, and within the 23rd minute, Emily Park, a rising centre‑forward, struck a header from a corner to level the match. Park’s aerial prowess, highlighted in a previous interview with The Guardian, was a reminder of Lewes’s ability to capitalize on set‑pieces.

The half‑time whistle saw the scoreline 1‑1, with both teams exchanging the lead. Crystal Palace’s captain, Maya Thompson, praised her side’s resilience in the first half: “We came into this as the favourites, but we didn’t let that get into our heads. We had to stay focused on the game plan.”

Second Half (46–90')

The second half saw Crystal Palace dominating possession, with Khamis once again dictating tempo. In the 63rd minute, a swift break saw Lee sidestep Lewes’s right‑back and slot the ball past the keeper, putting Crystal Palace ahead. Lewes, however, remained stubborn, with their midfield orchestrated by Megan Houghton who made several key interceptions.

The 78th minute marked a turning point. Lewes’s Kira McDonald unleashed a powerful long‑range effort that struck the post. The miss was a heartbreaking moment, but the effort signalled that Lewes were intent on pulling the match back into their orbit.

Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper, Alexandra Ruiz, made a series of pivotal saves, most notably a one‑‑second stop in the 85th minute that preserved the lead. In the closing minutes, Lewes’s Sophie Brown was brought down inside the box, earning a penalty for Crystal Palace. Lee calmly slotted the penalty to seal a 3‑1 victory.

Tactical Analysis

TNT Sports’ tactical segment highlighted Crystal Palace’s use of a 4‑3‑3 formation, with Khamis positioned as the central creative hub. The side’s ability to switch from a high‑pressing front line to a deeper defensive posture was praised. Lewes’s approach was more pragmatic, employing a 5‑4‑1 to absorb pressure and launch counter‑attacks. Their set‑piece organization proved to be a double‑edged sword—while they scored from a corner, they were also vulnerable to the opposite.

Quotes and Take‑aways

• Judy Brown (Crystal Palace): “Lewes are a great club. They play with heart and we respected that. They forced us to adapt, but in the end, we were the better team on the day.”

• Emily Park (Lewes): “It’s all about belief. We know we can beat anyone if we put everything into it. That header gave us a burst of confidence.”

• Crystal Palace’s Coach’s Office: “We’re proud of the players. The squad’s depth and professionalism will take us further in the competition.”

The article concluded by noting Crystal Palace’s upcoming semi‑final clash against Manchester United Women, while Lewes prepared for a tough quarter‑final against Arsenal Women, a team that had already knocked out several higher‑tier clubs in the tournament.

Further Reading

For fans wanting a deeper dive, the TNT Sports feature links to: - Crystal Palace Women’s official squad page – showcasing the latest transfers and match statistics (link). - Lewes Women’s official page – featuring player profiles and community initiatives (link). - FA Cup 2025‑26 Overview – detailing the tournament structure and key dates (link).

The article underscores how the Women’s FA Cup continues to bring together stories of ambition, resilience, and sporting excellence. While Crystal Palace progressed with a decisive victory, Lewes’s spirited performance remains a testament to the growing competitiveness of women’s football in England.