February 3 2003

Sam Togwell

The table-topping Crystal Palace reserves suffered their first defeat of the season with a 2-1 loss away to Bristol Rovers which was marred by a broken leg to SAM TOGWELL.

The home side had a number of chances to open the scoring but it was the Eagles who took the lead in the 26th minute against the run of play.

Teeratep Winothai picked up the ball in midfield and fed Gavin Heeroo where his cross found Tariq Nabil in the box who rifled home.

Right on the half-time whistle, TOGWELL and Rovers' Simon Bryant collided in a 50-50 challenge which led to the Eagles youngster being taken away by ambulance to hospital.

Nabil nearly added another when the Pirates keeper spilled a shot and down the other end, Adam Hay cleared an effort off the line.

Five minutes into first half stoppage time, Will Antwi was shown a straight red after a bad challenge on Dave Gilroy and from the resulting free-kick, Rovers equalised through Bryant.

Ten-man Palace could have taken the lead again as David Hunt and Steve Thomson had long-range efforts just wide.

On 77 minutes, Cronin saved a 25-yard strike from Haleden and three minutes later, he made it 2-1 scoring from close range.

Palace: Cronin, Heeroo, Hay (Wilson 55), TOGWELL (Soares 28), Hunt, Antwi, Risser, Thomson (Simpson 55), Nabil, Winothai, R.Smith

Sub not used: Gibson.

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