February 8 2008

The Football League

Crystal Palace slumped to a 2-0 defeat in the South London derby at Charlton.

Luke Varney's brace ensured Charlton completed the double over their local rivals and condemned Palace to a second defeat in three matches.

The Addicks had the better of the first half exchanges and only the heroics of Eagles stopper Julian Speroni kept them at bay.

Chinese midfielder Zheng Zhi saw a low cross flash across the face of goal, then Greg Halford nodded Darren Ambrose's corner into the arms of Speroni in the 24th minute.

Four minutes later, Halford met Lloyd Sam's pass and evaded Danny Butterfield to drive just past the post.

Speroni then made a brilliant acrobatic save to keep out Zheng's effort from Varney's cross just as it was heading for the back of the net.

Varney went agonisingly close to giving the home side the lead when he scampered down the left but saw his shot crash against the post. The half ended with Palace's only real effort on goal - a long ranger from Ben Watson.

Palace manager Neil Warnock brought on Sean Scannell for Paul Ifill for the second half and his half-time rollicking saw Eagles make a dramatic improvement.

Neil Danns, making his full debut for Palace, forced Nicky Weaver into a good save from the edge of the area as they began to get back into proceedings.

But Charlton broke the deadlock on the hour mark as Matt Holland's free-kick from halfway was flicked on by ANDY Gray and Varney swept the ball past Speroni.

Eagles skipper Mark Hudson could have saw red for a two-footed lunge on Varney shortly afterwards.

And three minutes from the end, Varney secured victory as he made a probing run down the left and his curling effort was diverted into his own net by Hudson.

Charlton: Weaver, Halford, Bougherra, McCarthy, Youga, Sam,Zhi, Holland, Ambrose (Semedo 84), Gray (Iwelumo 84),Varney (McLeod 90).

Not Used: Elliot, Basey.

Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, Lawrence, Hudson, Halls,Danns (Kuqi 75), Watson, Derry, MORRISON (Freedman 80),Scowcroft, Ifill (Scannell 46).

Not Used: Soares, Fonte.