Gameweek 12 of the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 (WSL2) was heavily disrupted by winter weather, with only three matches surviving the conditions. However, those that did go ahead delivered meaningful movement at both ends of the table.
Crystal Palace extended their winning streak to four matches with a dramatic 1–0 win over Sheffield United. A sublime late free-kick from debutant Hayley Ladd secured all three points, moving the Eagles within touching distance of the play-off places.
Meanwhile, Southampton produced a dominant display in the south coast derby, cruising to a 4–0 victory over Portsmouth at St Mary’s. The result marks back-to-back wins for the Saints, who now sit fifth in the standings.
Elsewhere, Bristol City edged a six-goal thriller at The City Ground, defeating Nottingham Forest 4–2 to remain firmly in promotion contention. Despite multiple postponements, the battle for the play-offs has only intensified – with just four points separating third and sixth.
As the mid-season window introduces new signings and pivotal fixtures loom, the race for WSL2 promotion is entering a critical phase.
VERTA’s WSL2 GW12 Picks
⚽️ Goal of the week: Hayley Ladd – 25-yard free-kick. Top bins. (Sheffield United 0-1 Crystal Palace)
🚀 Game of the week: Nottingham Forest 2-4 Bristol City – End to end stuff, in this lively encounter.
⭐️ Star of the week: Jess Gale – Beautiful lofted finish just 5-minutes into her debut. (Nottingham Forest 2-4 Bristol City)
Postponed due to Weather
- Durham P–P Sunderland
- Ipswich P–P Charlton
- Newcastle P–P Birmingham
Sat 10th Jan 26 | St Mary’s
Southampton cruised to a 4–0 derby day victory over Portsmouth to kick off the year in style.
After a controlled opening spell, the Saints took charge midway through the first half and never looked back. In the 22nd minute, Jess Simpson opened the scoring, latching onto a low cross from Abbie Ferguson before rifling the ball into the roof of the net – her fourth WSL2 goal of the season.
Just nine minutes later, Saints doubled their lead. A glancing header from Ellie Brazil at the near post found its way through a crowded box, with the Portsmouth backline caught completely flat-footed.
Although Portsmouth had three penalty appeals waved away, they failed to create any real clear-cut chances throughout. Their attacking efforts were limited and easily contained by Southampton’s disciplined shape.
Eventually, Southampton put the result beyond doubt with a quick-fire double late on. Bashford tapped into an empty net on 78 minutes after Gray spilled Tegam McGowan’s effort. Then, Palmer wrapped things up just two minutes later with a sharp turn and finish from the edge of the area.
As a result, Portsmouth’s back line now holds the worst defensive record in both WSL divisions. Meanwhile, Southampton climb to fifth with their second consecutive win and growing momentum.
Match Highlights
Match Stats
Lineups & Player Ratings
Sun 11th Jan 26 | City Ground
Bristol City came out on top in a six-goal thriller at The City Ground, beating Nottingham Forest 4–2 to stay firmly in the promotion hunt.
The visitors made the perfect start inside three minutes, a deep cross from Lexi Lloyd-Smith was misjudged by Forest defender Ebba Hed, who diverted the ball into her own net at the far post. She really should have done better.
Things went from bad to worse for the hosts just six minutes later. Mari Ward’s deflected strike looped agonisingly over Emily Batty to make it 2–0. But Forest responded well, pulling one back in the 21st minute when Deanne Rose finished off a rapid counter-attack with composure.
Both sides had chances in a lively contest, but it was Bristol who struck next. Rio Hardy made it 3–1 on 59 minutes, reacting quickest after Emily Syme’s long-range free-kick crashed off the bar.
Then, 19-year-old debutant Jessie Gale added a fourth with a sublime lob from the edge of the box after being slipped through by Sophie Ingle (83’).
Forest got a deserved second late on – Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah slotting home after good work from Almqvist.
The result dents Forest’s faint hopes of a top-three push, while Bristol remain firmly in the promotion frame.
Match Highlights
Match Stats
Lineups & Player Ratings
Mon 12th Jan 26 | Bramall Lane
Crystal Palace left it late to claim all three points at Bramall Lane, with a touch of class from debutant Hayley Ladd securing a 1–0 win over Sheffield United.
Both sides had early openings. Palace keeper Yañez was alert to stop a deflected cross from Mollie Sharp, while United had penalty appeals waved away after Bristow appeared to be pulled down by Nolan. At the other end, Elise Hughes saw a close-range header saved by Rogers.
Palace began to take control after the break. Hayley Nolan struck the post with a header when she should have done better. Abbie Larkin did find the net midway through the half, but the flag was up. A tight call.
The winner arrived five minutes from time. Kirsty Howat was brought down just outside the box, and Ladd – on for her debut – curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards.
A fourth straight win lifts Palace to fifth and throws them firmly into the promotion conversation. Sheffield United, meanwhile, slip to a third straight defeat and sit in 9th.
Match Highlights
Match Stats
Lineups & Player Ratings
Live Table
Stay up to date on everything WSL2 with our matchday hub here
