August 11 2004

Premiership Reserve League South

Palace reserves opened their Premiership Reserve League South campaign with a 1-0 defeat at West Ham.

The Eagles had the early running of the game; Dougie Freedman had a close-range effort just over the bar, before forcing keeper James Walker into an easy save shortly after.

Tommy Black and Gareth Williams with two opportunties also went close to opening the scoring for Palace.

West Ham's Greg Pearson nearly gave the hosts the lead when he beat Darren Powell on the right of the penalty area and shot past Cedric Berthelin but Sam Togwell managed to clear off the line.

The Hammers improved in the second half and Berthelin had to be alert to put a McClenahan strike out for a corner. Williams then blasted over for Palace before West Ham scored what proved to be the winning goal after 72 minutes.

Former Millwall striker Moses Ashikodi robbed Tom Soares and drove a low shot into the bottom corner of Berthelin's goal.

Palace should have converted numerous other chances in the final 15 minutes to get at least a point from the game.

Williams prodded a shot over the bar and Elliott Onochie - on trial from Croydon Athletic - wasted two chances but couldn't find the net.

Palace: Berthelin, Togwell, Borrowdale, Watson, Powell (Simpson 46), El-Sahali, Soares, Dolan (Berry 7), Freedman (Onochie 60), Williams, Black.

Subs not used: Wilkinson, Conroy.