August 28 2002

Black bagged a brace

Palace reserves romped to victory this afternoon against Northampton Town winning the match 7-0.

Julian Gray made a welcome return to a Palace side, which also featured Alex Kolinko, Dean Austin, Andrejs Rubins, and Wayne Routledge.

Despite an early chance for the home side, Andrejs Rubins made the closest chance, heading against the bar and Samuel Togwell's effort on the rebound went over.

It was Rubins however that opened the scoring a minute afterwards, slotting the ball home from an angle after racing onto a through ball. The second goal was scored by Ben Watson, after Tommy Black weaved his way into the box before cutting the ball back for his fellow midfielder to score.

The third was finished from three yards out by Julian Gray after he performed a one-two with Rubins.

Tommy Black opened his account for the day, when Wayne Routledge's initial shot just before half time was fumbled by the Cobblers keeper, which rebounded into Black's path and he tapped home from three yards.

It wasn't until 74 minutes that Palace scored another goal. This time Robert Smith got to the ball before Town keeper Abbey, after Tommy Black had crossed.

A minute later Black was brought down in the box by Bobby White and converted his second of the game from the penalty spot.

Wayne Routledge completed the rout on 77 minutes, much to the delight of reserve boss Dave Swindlehurst.

Goals:

Rubins 31

Watson 33

Gray 40

Black 45

Smith 73

Black 74 pen

Routledge 77

Reserve Squad: Kolinko, Togwell, Borrowdale, Watson, Antwi, Frampton, Surey, Smith, Black, Gray, Rubins, Nabil, Gibson, Heeroo, Austin, Routledge