December 18 2002

Trevor Francis

Trevor Francis was disappointed his weakened side got knocked out of the Worthington Cup to Sheffield United to a goal he felt was offside.

Palace drew level in the remaining minutes and the tie looked like it was heading for extra-time at 1-1.

But Paul Peschisolido's goal to make it 2-1 in the 86th minute looked yards offside and two minutes later the same player added a killer third.

Francis said: "I have not seen the replays but I have been told it was clearly offside. I look at the reaction of my keeper Alex Kolinko. I have been there for 12 months and he has spoken about two words in the time I have known him.

"He is a very placid guy who rarely gets flustered but seeing him come out of his goal to earn the booking tells me the story.

"We have got 10 senior players out and one suspended and when you get to the latter stages of a competition you want your best guys.

"But I am very proud of my guys tonight. They really went at Sheffield United. I think 3-1 was a bit harsh on us, 2-1 would have been a fairer reflection."