December 19 2000

Clinton Morrison

Crystal Palace are through to the semi-final of the Worthington Cup after beating Sunderland 2-1 at Selhurst Park tonight.

Mikael Forssell put the Eagles 1-0 up just after the break, but Alex Rae levelled the score for Sunderland.

An 82nd minute goal by Clinton Morrison sealed the game for Palace.

Palace showed desire to win against Sunderland yesterday and booked themselves a place in the Worthinton Cup semi-final, where they will face Liverpool.

The first big chance of the game was for Palace when Morrison went one-on-one with Sunderland keeper Sorensen. But the keeper got a hand to the shot and Darren Williams then cleared it off the line.

Two minutes later, Sunderland had the chance to open the score from a free kick but Dichio's flick on went wide.

After 30 minutes, Sunderland had their biggest chance of the first half. Julio Arca's half volley from ten yards was tipped over by Kolinko.

Just before the break, Tommy Black had a chance for Palace but Sorensen saved at the near post and Sunderland saw a goal disallowed for offside.

Three minutes after the interval Palace opened the score. A bad clearence from Thomas Sorensen was intercepted by Morrison and his cross was easy to tap home for Forssell.

A minute later, the score was level again when Rae netted from close range. Dichio then squandered a good chance and Palace hit the woodwork twice through Forssell and Morrison.

Kolinko saved a shot from Kevin Phillips just before Morrison won the game for the Eagles.

It was ten minutes before the final whistle when Morrison received the ball on the edge of the box. He kept the ball, turned and then fired right footed into the left corner of the net.

Palace: Kolinko, Smith, Austin, Zhiyi, Ruddock, Mullins, Rodger, Morrison (Carlisle 90), Black (Thomson 87), Forssell, Pollock.

Subs not used: Gray, Gregg, Harrison.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Gray, Williams, Varga, Thome, Arca (McCann 57), Kilbane, Rae, Schwarz (Oster 81), Dichio, Phillips.

Subs not used: Marriott, Craddock, Thirlwell.