Kirsty Hanson hits a century with Aston Villa Women | OneFootball

It turned out to be a disappointing result for the Aston Villa Women. Even in the 3-1 defeat to the Crystal Palace Women, Kirsty Hanson achieved a notable milestone. The Scotland international made her 100th appearance in the Women's Super League.

Hitting the century mark is something both the players and supporters can be proud of. Getting ready and being able to withstand a grueling season, year after year, is difficult. A lot is demanded of athletes in the attack. Having the good fortune to be able to play for a century's worth of matches is notable.

In total, the winger has played 6,149 minutes in the WSL. In a fitting matter, however, her personal career achievement wasn't on her end following the latest defeat. Instead, her focus was on how the team can improve, as they are in a relegation battle at the moment.

Staying in the top flight takes precedence above all else, and Hanson spoke about what she's looking for from the side from the past defeat:

It is telling that after dominating possession and getting more shots, Villa weren't able to get a result on the day. Hanson's words here speak to the issue that is currently plaguing the side. They have had numerous opportunities to score and gain an advantage throughout many matches. That final bit of clinical finishing, however, seems to elude this team when it's needed the most.

Achievement takes backseat to Aston Villa Women league position

AVWFC knows that they are capable of getting results. Truth be told, they have been somewhat unlucky to have not won yet in the 2025 calendar year. Natalia Arroyo will likely look to lean on her veteran players up top to help reverse the current trend.

In a game against the two teams at the bottom of the table, this will be seen as a missed opportunity. Hanson knows this. She also believes that the collective group can string wins together and show the fight needed to stay in the WSL.

It wasn't the way anyone would want to celebrate a monumental moment. It's, moreover, understandable why 100 matches were far from the forefront of Hanson's mind following Aston Villa Women's last game. Using her experience and knowledge from past successes, however, fans can rest assured that she'll do everything that she can to position her side to get the needed three points for her 101st and ensuing fixtures in the league.