March 3 2005

Crystal Palace

Palace reserves ended a disappointing week with defeat in the Surrey Senior Cup quarter-finals to AFC Wimbledon.

The Ryman Division One leaders proved to strong for Palace's youthful second string - made up of under-18 Academy players.

Despite having more possession in the first half, AFC Wimbledon couldn't get past the young Eagles rearguard.

Palace looked technically better but were restricted to the counter-attack as Louis Grabban carved out the best chance of the game with a shot that crashed against the bar.

Five minutes into the second half, the Dons took the lead with a powerful Andy Frost strike which flew past Ricki Banks and into the roof of the net.

On 74 minutes, AFC put the game beyond doubt when Mark Jones fired a 25-yard shot that deflected off Richard Butler and past a helpless Banks.

Palace: Banks, Starkey, Wiggins (Spence 80), Fish, Beckles, Fray, J Hughes, Marshall, Simpson, Watanabe (Lyons 78), Grabban.

Subs not used: French, Wilkinson, Hickie.

A far more experienced Palace side were defeated 1-0 at Norwich in the Premiership Reserve League South on Tuesday night.

Ben Watson had Palace's best chance with an effort saved by Darren Ward. But Phil Mulryne scored the only goal of the game in the 80th minute, firing past JULIAN SPERONI.

It follows the reserves' 2-1 loss at Southampton the week before - Anthony Danze scoring Palace's goal. But they still remain in second, behind leaders Charlton.

Palace: SPERONI, Wilson, R Hall, Watson, Togwell, Borrowdale, Kolkka, Danze, Shipperley, Torghelle, Berry.

Subs: Welch, Banks, Wiggins, Starkey, Grabban.