The hosts came into the game with 6 points, 3 more than the Irons total before a ball was kicked, making this London derby a really important one early on in the season.

 In the opening 25 minutes, it was Crystal Palace who had the better chances, with Bethany England causing problems for the West Ham defence.

 After holding firm at the back, it was the Hammers who struck, with excellent pressure from Oona Siren to dispossess Everett in the box and set up Kelly Gago, who calmly slotted home to take the lead.

 With 15 minutes left of the half, it was a cagey affair with little to settle between the two teams, and it was this way until the whistle blew.

 A similar story continued into the second half, West Ham were happy holding their 1-0 lead, whilst Palace were still struggling to break the defence down.

 The Hammers came agonisingly close to doubling their lead 76 minutes in, after Viviane Asseyi used her pace brilliantly to get in behind and fire a low driven cross into the box.

 It was met Leila Wandeler, but miraculously cleared off the line by captain, Aimee Everett, not once but twice.

 The final whistle blew, music to the ears of the Irons as they secured a second, huge win of their WSL season.

Rita Guarino triumphant in victory (Image: PA)

 It was Inès Belloumou who walked away with a deserved player of the match award, with Oona Siren and Kelly Gago also standing out.

 That win puts West Ham up to 9th in the league table, with Crystal Palace currently occupying 11th, but only goal difference separating the two teams.

 The next task ahead for the ladies is a midweek home clash in the Players Cup, against the force that is London City Lionesses.

 They overcame the Lionesses in a 2-1 victory earlier on in the season and will be looking to take that form into the cup.

 That game kicks off at 7pm on Wednesday, under the lights at Victoria Road.