December 26 2008

Jose Fonte

JOSE FONTE scored a brace in Crystal Palace's 3-1 win at home to Norwich.

The defender netted either side of Gary Doherty's goal for the Canaries before substitute Danny Butterfield completed the scoring in the last minute.

FONTE gave Palace the perfect start by nodding Paddy McCarthy's free-kick from the right beyond Norwich goalkeeper David Marshall after six minutes.

The visiting side found themselves level in the 13 minutes later when Doherty climbed highest to nod David Bell's cross past Julian Speroni.

Alan Lee had a shot saved by Marshall and Canaries midfielder Wes Hoolahan rifled a 20-yard effort narrowly wide before Palace regained their lead just past the half hour mark.

Paul Ifill created space for himself on the left and crossed to FONTE who blasted home a superb shot from 18 yards.

As the half drew to a close, Speroni blocked a long-range effort from Hoolahan and Leroy Lita hit the bar from six yards out.

In the second half, Norwich tested Speroni with strikes on goal from Lita and Mark Fotheringham.

Ifill and Hoolahan had further chances but Butterfield made sure of the victory in the 90th minute with an 18-yard volley into the bottom corner from Nick Carle's pass.

The win moves Palace up to fifth and extends their unbeaten run in the Championship to eight matches.

Palace: Speroni, Clyne, McCarthy (Butterfield 52), FONTE, Hill, Derry, Carle, Oster, Scannell (Kuqi 64), Ifill, Lee (Lawrence 76).

Not Used: Danns, Griffit.

Norwich: Marshall, Otsemobor, Doherty, Omozusi, Bertrand, Hoolahan (Russell 83), Pattison (Cort 75), Fotheringham, Clingan, Bell, Lita.

Not Used: Nelson, Drury, Lupoli.

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