August 23 2005

The Carling Cup

Crystal Palace left it late to beat Walsall in the Carling Cup, winning 3-0 at Selhurst Park.

Palace boss Iain Dowie fielded an understrength side for this clash and his men wasted a number of first half chances. But they eventually took the lead four minutes into the second period.

Danny Butterfield's strike from just inside the box hit defender Daniel Fox on the arm and referee Jarnail Singh awarded a spotkick which Tony Popovic converted.

Danny Granville then curled a fine 25-yard strike into the top corner in the 82nd minute for 2-0.

And Michael Hughes got the third goal, scoring into an empty net after keeper Andy Oakes had parried sub Lewis Grabban's shot into his path.

Palace: Speroni, Fray (Togwell 64), Popovic, Hudson, Granville, Black (Grabban 85), Hughes, Riihilahti, Butterfield, Andrews, Kolkka (Berry 78).

Not Used: Kiraly, Ryan Hall.