Palace hold Everton to draw

August 4 2007

Crystal Palace ended their unbeaten pre-season with a 0-0 draw against Premier League Everton.

Eagles legend Andy Johnson got a standing ovation from Palace fans on his return to Selhurst Park after joining the Toffees last year.

But the England striker failed to find the net on what was a good display by Peter Taylor's men against superior opposition.

Front two Jamie Scowcroft and Clinton Morrison had decent chances in the opening 13 minutes.

But Everton almost went in front in the 20th minute as Mikel Arteta smashed a free-kick against the bar. Then 10 minutes later, Victor Anichebe volleyed Arteta's cross onto the woodwork.

Few chances were carved out in the second half. Victor Moses' creativity in centre midfield tried to stir Palace into action when he came on in the 66th minute, but boss Taylor will be happy with the draw.

Palace: Speroni (Flinders 45) Lawrence, Craig, Cort (Hudson, 45) Scowcroft (Kuqi 45) Morrison (Freedman 45), Watson (Moses 66) Soares, Fonte (Swaibu 80) Hughes (Martin 61) Green (Butterfield 45).

Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Vidarsson 45) Yobo, Lescott, Arteta (Valente, 45) Johnson (Jutkiwicz 45) Stubbs, Jagielka, Anderson, Carsley, Anichebe. Not used: Boyle, Ruddy.

Attendance: 10,010.