Palmer and Russell depart from Woodside after joining the Rebels in 2022 from Crawley Wasps.
Both players had outstanding debut seasons at the club, Palmer made 32 appearances that season, keeping 13 clean sheets in all competitions. The defender found the back of the net three times during her first season at Woodside which included her wonderful free-kick against Millwall as the Rebels ran out as a 4-1 winner at Woodside.
The duo was an essential part of John Donoghue’s defensive line during the 2022/23 season as the side went on to win the League and Cup double and saw the side get promoted into the FAWNL for the first time in the club’s history. Alongside the League and Cup double the team also went on an impressive FA Cup run reaching the furthest the side has ever gone, reaching the Second Round of the FA Cup.
During the 2022/23 season, Russell made 34 appearances for the side. Her defensive mind led her to keep 13 clean sheets that season. However, it was just her defensive capabilities that made her stand it, during that season Russell scored an outstanding 11 goals as a defender. Russell scored 2 hat-tricks in the side’s FA Cup run against Leatherhead and Richmond Park in the early rounds of the FA Cup. Ellie scored 7 goals in the FA Cup that season which saw her place as the fourth-highest goal scorer in the competition that season.
Notably, Russell’s performance in the League Cup Final was one to behold. The defender achieved a goal and an assist against Dartford to help the side lift the trophy. Ellie set up Emily Linscer’s winning goal to give the Rebels a 2-1 lead then later on in the game Russell’s run from defence found her in front of the goal and she found the back of the net to increase Worthing’s lead to 3-1. At the conclusion of the season, Russell’s performances earned her Player’s Player of the Season.
The duo continued into the 2023/24 season as the side entered the FAWNL for the first time. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, Russell was unable to play constantly, Ellie made 3 appearances for the Rebels last season.
A constant starter in Donoghue’s side, Palmer made 22 appearances during the 2023/24 season. During this season Rachel captained the side 13 times and guided the side to a third-place finish in the FAWNL Division One South East.
The club would like to place on record our sincere appreciation to Rachel and Ellie for their contribution during their time at the club and wish them well in the future.
