August 18 2005

Aki Riihilahti

Aki Riihilahti and Danny Granville made comebacks from injury in the reserves' 1-1 draw at West Ham.

Riihilahti (calf) and Granville (knee) have missed the start of Palace's Championship campaign.

But they showed signs they are not far off a first-team recall after helping Palace to a point in the Premiership Reserve League South.

Riihilahti went close with two strikes and later hit the bar with a header as the Eagles had the better of the first half.

But West Ham got their noses in front in the 40th minute through Hogan Ephraim. Seconds later, Palace levelled through a long-range shot from Ryan Hall.

Ephraim could have wrapped up all three points for the Hammers in the second half, but his shot was hooked off the goal-line.

Palace: Speroni, Togwell, Wilson, Beckles (Fish 65), Granville, Berry, Riihilahti (Simpson 46), Welch, R Hall (Dayton 80), Black, Grabban.

Subs not used: Banks, Straker.

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