December 1 2003

Gareth Williams

GARETH WILLIAMS has returned to Palace after his one-month loan at Cambridge United ended.

WILLIAMS, 21, scored once during his spell at the U's but was substituted at half-time in their 4-1 defeat by Leyton Orient at home on Saturday.

Boss John Taylor said: "He's been a quality finisher in training but he hasn't quite gelled in the system and shape that we've been using.

"I'm a bit disappointed really, but things don't always work out and we thank him for his service and we wish him all the best."

He will be drafted into the Palace squad this week as Andrew Johnson has an ankle injury, while Neil Shipperley is recovering from his hamstring strain.