Palace 0 - 2 Bolton Wanderers

Monday April 16 2001 - League

Palace were dealt another major blow in their fight to avoid relegation after losing 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers on Easter Monday.

Dougie Freedman could have put the home side ahead early in the game, but his 25-yard rocket cannoned off the cross-bar.

On 12 minutes however, it was Bolton who took the lead. Alex Kolinko's clearance went straight to Paul Warhurst and his far post cross was headed home by Ian Marshall.

Bolton's Nicky Summerbee then came close, hitting the bar and Dean Holdsworth saw his shot saved by Kolinko.

Fan Zhiyi came close to an equaliser on 34 minutes, but his 25-yard free kick was saved by Bolton's on-loan goalkeeper Matt Clarke.

Before the interval, Bolton had chances to increase the lead but Ricardo Gardner and Summerby both missed the target from close range.

Palace's biggest chance in the second half came from Clinton Morrison, but his header was too weak to trouble Clarke.

The Trotters extended their lead on 68 minutes when Kolinko somehow managed to turn a Summerbee cross into his own net.

The Eagles are still in deep trouble being one point behind fourth bottom side Huddersfield and only three points ahead of second bottom side QPR.

Post match comments

An angry Alan Smith said: "They were ridiculous goals - what can I say? We've got to eradicate that for our next game.

"We need people out there like Colin Hendry who goes out and does his job with no mistakes made. That kind of experience in the team makes it easier for a manager.

Smith believes that his side's lack of communication in defence was responsible for both Bolton's goals.

He added: "The lack of communication is appalling. We've got foreign lads who speak little English and English players who barely speak English.

"We really need to get over this. We have to show strength of character and show that we can get the points."

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