September 4 2002

Routledge looked lively

The table-topping reserves failed to make it four wins in a row and fought out a 0-0 draw at home to Cardiff City.

Having scored 15 goals in their opening games, including a 7-0 mauling of Northampton Town in their last match, they failed to score at Carshalton's War Memorial Ground on Tuesday night.

Palace dominated the first half. Wayne Routledge saw his run blocked in the penalty area in the opening two minutes and 10 later, Steven Thomson had a shot saved by the keeper.

Routledge had a lob easily saved and Garry Borrowdale saw his 25-yard effort put over the bar by the visiting custodian. Ben Watson headed over the resulting corner.

Lance Cronin was called into action for the first time just before the break, smothering a Cardiff attack.

In the second period, Tommy Black hit a weak shot wide and Ben Surey had a similar effort go straight to the keeper with around 20 minutes left.

A Dean Austin mistake allowed a Cardiff attacker a shot on goal which Cronin saved and Cardiff nearly scored with another Austin error, but they shot over as the game ended goaless.

Palace: Cronin, Austin, Borrowdale, Surey, Smith, Antwi, Watson (Dobson 77), Thomson, Black, Routledge, Frampton.

Subs not used: Winnothai, Gibson, Nabil.