September 5 2000

Crystal Palace

Palace went through to the second round of the Worthington Cup with a 0-0 draw despite an impressive display from Cardiff.

Leading 2-1 from the first leg, Palace were happy to sit back on the lead and soak up pressure from the home side.

Cardiff's Andy Legg was in fine form putting in a number of crosses from the left wing, but nobody could get on the end of them.

Matt Gregg saved a Kurt Nogan shot and Kevin Evans went close with a 20-yard effort. The Eagles had a couple of chances themselves.

Neil Ruddock had a 20-yard shot cleared off the line and Jamie Pollock had a similar shot blocked.

The Bluebirds kept searching for the goal, which would be enough to send them through on the away goals rule.

It just was not Cardiff's night as they failed to score to justify their pressure.

Their night was summed up as sub Robert Earnshaw blazed over a glorious chance from six yards in the last minute.

Cardiff: Walton, Gabbidon, Legg, Greene, Jones, McCulloch, Bonner (G. Thomas 83), Hill, Evans, Nogan (Earnshaw 66), Nugent.

Subs not used: Hallworth, Eckhardt, Sheridan.

Palace: Gregg, Smith (Austin 72), Zhiyi, Ruddock, Mullins, Morrison (McKenzie 56), Black, Gray, Forssell (Harris 57), Pollock, Harrison.

Subs not used: Thomson, Evans.