Late Amano leveller rescues Birmingham a point in six-goal thriller with Crystal Palace

Birmingham rescue point against Palace in six-goal thriller

Newly-promoted Birmingham are still searching for their first WSL win after rescuing a point in a six-goal thriller against Crystal Palace at St Andrew's. Suzu Amano came off the bench for the Blues to hit a deflected 87th-minute equaliser to salvage a point in a 3-3 draw.

Birmingham had looked on course for a first win of the season as they led 2-1 at half-time thanks to Oceane Hurtre's double. The forward hit an opener after just 40 seconds, but Palace equalised in the 30th minute after a goalkeeper howler allowed Shanade Hopcroft's free-kick to go in. Just three minutes later, Hurtre restored Birmingham's lead with a powerful strike from a tight angle.

Palace, however, mounted a second-half comeback as Bethany England rebounded in a 70th-minute equaliser before Lexi Lloyd-Smith completed the turnaround with a fine one-on-one finish. But the home side battled back in a topsy-turvy encounter as Amano struck to pick up Birmingham's second point of the campaign and deny Palace their second win of the league season.