January 22 2004

Gareth Williams

The reserves showed the first team how to beat Millwall with a 3-1 Pontins Holidays Cup victory - even with 10 men.

Gareth Williams staked a claim for a place in the first-team squad with a brace, while trialist Jermaine Brown impressed again with a goal.

Millwall had the better of the opening exchanges, but it was Palace who went in front after 24 minutes. Ben Surey put Williams through, he beat the Millwall offside trap and rounded the keeper to score.

Ten minutes before the break, Palace went down to 10 men after Glen Wilson was sent off for a second bookable offence.

On 37 minutes, Palace's lead was doubled from the penalty spot. Tommy Black released Williams into the box and he was brought down by the Lions keeper. Welshman Williams put away the spotkick.

Sam Togwell headed a Black free-kick against the post as 10-man Eagles pushed for further goals.

Brown made it 3-0 with a classy finish, beating two defenders inside the box before firing into the bottom corner in the 70th minute.

Cherno Samba got a consolation breakaway goal for the visitors in the 84th minute.

Palace: Berthelin, Wilson, Simpson, Togwell, Gibson, Derry (Heeroo 46), Black (Nabil 64), Soares (Dolan 73), Williams, Brown, Surey.

Subs not used: El-Salahi, Cronin.

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