Black day for Preston

December 28 2002

Tommy Black

Palace moved into play-off contention after a Tommy Black brace helped them dispose of Preston 2-0.

His goals in either half helped stretch the Eagles' undefeated run to five matches.

Right from the off, Palace showed they were full of confidence as they surged forward for a number of chances.

Dele Adebola had a penalty appeal turned down after a challenge from Colin Murdock in the box after five minutes.

Then Kit Symons had a header crash off the post from a Danny Butterfield free-kick. Palace continued to dominate and took the lead through Black in the 38th minute.

He headed home Julian Gray's right-wing cross from close range which keeper David Lucas couldn't hold onto.

Black then had a chance to lob the onrushing Lucas moments later, but his shot was not high enough and hit Lucas on the chest to go out for a corner.

In the 55th minute, Black doubled the lead when he drilled a low free-kick from the edge of the box into the bottom left corner after second half sub Aki Riihilahti had been fouled.

Twice Dele Adebola was put through with one-on-ones with Lucas, but his first shot was saved and second went narrowly wide when he should have scored.

Black and Adebola were replaced in the last 20 minutes by WAYNE ROUTLEDGE and Ade Akinbiyi, both making returns from injury.

Starting teams:

Crystal Palace: Kolinko, Powell, Popovic, Symons, Mullins, Granville, Butterfield, Derry, Gray, Black, Adebola.

Subs: Michopoulos, Riihilahti, Akinbiyi, ROUTLEDGE, Borrowdale.

Preston North End: Lucas, Lucketti, Murdock, Broomes, Alexander, Mears, Skora, Etuhu, McKenna, Cresswell, Healy.

Subs: Moilanen, Lewis, Rankine, Anderson, Abbott.

Referee: A. Hall (West Midlands)

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