July 27 2013

Action

Crystal Palace lost their latest pre-season friendly 3-0 against Crawley Town.

Ian Holloway opted for a strong starting lineup, including the same defence that started against Watford in the play-off final, Jose Campana partnering Mile Jedinak in midfield, and an up-front partnership of Dwight Gayle and Aaron Wilbraham.

Despite some good chances for Palace early on, Crawley scored against the run of play.

Billy Clarke pounced on a deflective shot by Gary Alexander to make it 1-0 to the hosts.

In the second half Holloway made 6 changes, bringing on the likes of Yannick Bolasie, Stuart O'Keefe, Jon Williams, Kevin Phillips and trialist Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.

Owusu-Abeyie and Phillips had chances between them to equalise, but Crawley doubled the lead in the 73rd minute through a header by Sergio Torres.

Crawley left-back Mat Sadler put the result beyond doubt in the dying minutes with a well executed volley.

Overall a poor performance by Palace, and things will really need to step up a gear if they are to compete in the Premier League come 18th August.

Palace: Speroni (FitzSIMONs 62), Ward (Taylor 62), Gabbidon (Ramage 46), Delaney (Wynter 62), Moxey (Jerome Williams 62), Jedinak (O'Keefe 62), Campana (Jon Williams 46), Dobbie (Bolasie 46), Wilbraham (Phillips 46), Gayle (Owusu-Abeyie 46), THOMAS (A Trialist 46)

Subs: De Silva, Boateng

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