November 1 2000

Clinton Morrison

Palace put on their best performance of the season to send holders Leicester crashing out of the Worthington Cup 3-0.

Goals from Clinton Morrison, Steve Thomson and Andrejs Rubins put the Eagles through to the fourth round to face Tranmere at home.

Palace shocked the home side when Morrison opened the scoring after 17 minutes. Craig Harrison headed a Wayne Carlisle corner across the face of the goal for Morrison to head home from close range.

Leicester had a couple of chances through Richard Cresswell and Frank Sinclair but Smith's tactics of five in midfield was working well.

In the 24th minute the lead was doubled as Thomson spun away from Callum Davidson and unleashed a 35-yard curling screamer into the back of the net.

Leicester had a penalty appeal turned down and could not break down the Palace guard despite constant pressure.

Leicester made three substitutions at half-time, Matt Elliott, Muzzy Izzet and Trevor Benjamin, but they could not score. Then on 52, a Rubins run and 30-yard shot sealed it for the Eagles for a place in the next round.

It was sweet revenge for last season as Leicester knocked Palace out in the same competition.

Leicester: Royce, Sinclair, Davidson, Rowett, Gilchrist (Elliott 45), Lennon, McKinlay, Eadie (Izzet 45), Gunnlaugsson, Cresswell (Benjamin 45), Guppy.

Subs not used: Price, R. Savage.

Palace: Kolinko, Smith, Austin, Mullins, Rodger, C. Morrison, Black, Thomson, Rubins, Carlisle, Harrison.

Subs not used: Frampton, Gray, Evans, Gregg, Forssell.