July 25 2008

Crystal Palace centenary

SIMON THOMAS showed why Neil Warnock plucked the young striker from non-league as his clinical finish gave Crystal Palace a 1-0 friendly win over Truro.

THOMAS gave a glimpse of his potential just days after joining from Boreham Wood with his first goal for Palace late in the first half.

That was enough for Warnock's side to clinch a third and final win on their west country tour.

Nick Carle kick-started the Eagles after a lacklustre start when he fired a free kick just wide.

Truro failed to heed the warning and Palace took the lead in the 34th minute.

THOMAS made and finished the goal as he robbed Jake Ash on the edge of the box before slotting past Dan Stevenson with fine low drive.

Victor Moses, Sean Scannell, Jamie Smith and James Dayton came on at half-time as Neil Warnock rang the changes.

Moses showed why Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly considering a bid for the England Under-19 international with a fierce strike that flashed just over.

Johannes Ertl directed a header off target from Smith's corner before Moses set up a chance for Scannell with a surging run, only for the Irish winger's shot to be cleared off the line.

Truro fought to the finish and it took a fine stop from Julian Speroni to preserve the win in the closing moments.

Team: Speroni; Butterfield, McCarthy, Ertl, Hill; Derry, Soares, Carle; Ifill, THOMAS, Andrew