August 17 2002

Palace vs Pompey

Crystal Palace hit the self-destruct button and managed to throw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at home to Portsmouth with some shocking defending.

Pompey looked like they were heading back to the coast without any points until they scored three times in five second-half minutes to turn the game on its head.

Eagles boss Trevor Francis, who has been at the centre of attention after the alleged dug-out bust-up with Alex Kolinko, said: "It's always a big blow to lose a match when you are leading by two goals.

"I felt that we deserved a draw at least, and speaking to Pompey boss Harry Redknapp after the game he agreed.

"We competed in the first half very well and gave them no space to work in. Shaun Derry was the best player on the pitch but, unfortunately, he ran out of steam.

"Harry's tactical changes at half-time made an impact, he matched our formation and pushed Taylor and Crowe forward as wing-backs.

"There will be plenty more surprise results as there is very little to choose between the teams."

It had began well for Palace when Dougie Freedman put in front in the 40th minute with a great goal, running from the halfway line before shooting past Shaka Hislop.

Three minutes later, Tony Popovic made it 2-0 when he headed home Danny Granville's corner as Palace went into the break looking comfortable for the three points.

Danny Butterfield could have made it three but his free-kick hit the post.

But between the 68th and 72nd minutes, Pompey's Hayden Foxe and two goals from former Palace loan player Jason Crowe sealed an unexpected win.

Francis added: "The extremely hot weather played a part we became tired where they found a new lease of life.

"We were guilty of poor marking for their first goal and Foxe gave them a lift. At 2-1 they were always in with a shout.

"If you give good players presents like that they will punish you. Pompey got away with it but we did enough to get something from it. Even Harry (Redknapp) didn't see where their win was coming from."

Palace: Clarke, Granville, Butterfield, Popovic, Mullins, Freedman, Derry (Fleming, 73 mins), Thomson (Kabba, 76 mins), Riihilahti, Adebola, Powell (Austin, 21 mins).

Subs not used: Kolinko, Black.

Portsmouth: Hislop, Foxe, De Zeeuw, Merson, Quashie, Taylor, Robinson, Pericard (Todorov, 22 mins), O'Neill (Crowe, 46 mins), Primus, Burton.

Subs not used: Burchill, Hughes, Kawaguchi.

Bookings: Primus (59 mins), De Zeeuw (62 mins).