October 13 2004

Tom Soares

Goals from Dougie Freedman and Tom Soares gave Palace reserves a 2-1 win at home to Southampton.

Recent signings Vassilis Lakis and Anthony Danze featured, while Neil Shipperley, Mikele Leigertwood and Danny Butterfield made returns from injury.

Palace had the better of the opening chances and got their noses in front after 27 minutes with a goal from Freedman. He controlled Liegertwood's long-range pass and fired home from the edge of the box.

The advantage was doubled five minutes before the break. Shaun Derry's corner was flicked on by Mark Hudson and the ball fell to Soares who couldn't miss from two yards.

Lakis went close to scoring as Palace took control of the game, while Eagles keeper Lance Cronin did have to palm away a Southampton shot over the bar.

The Saints pulled a late goal back in the 89th minute after a Cronin blunder. Leandre Grifit's tame shot slipped out of his hands and through his legs into the goal.

Palace: Cronin, Butterfield, Hudson, Togwell, Leigertwood, Lakis, Derry, Danze, Soares, Freedman (Smith 73), Shipperley.

Subs not used: Banks, Grabban, R Hall, Fray.

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