Draw against Coppell's men

January 20 2006

Andy Johnson

Palace and Reading slugged out a draw at Selhurst Park, Reading preserving their 29-match unbeaten run while Palace dropped points for the first time in six, by Peter Gillman.

Palace looked to have won the match with an AJ penalty on 78 minutes but Reading hit back with a stunning strike two minutes later.

Palace had the better of the first half with AJ coming closest when through on goal in the fourth minute, only to hit his shot against Reading keeper Hahnemann. Reading's best chance fell to Kitson, who scooped over from six yards.

The game continued to be tight in the second half, although Kiraly had to make two great saves to keep Palace level. Referee Kettle turned down a big Palace penalty appeal on 76 minutes, with tv replays showing a clear hand ball.

Then Hahnemann brought down AJ as he chased a through ball from Soares. AJ slammed the penalty into the top right corner of the net. He was booked for celebrating in front of the Reading supporters, who had been booing him throughout.

Reading's equaliser showed the side's quality, Harper driving home a backheel by Lita from 15 yards.

Five minutes from time Hahnemann saved the draw for Reading, blocking an AJ shot after a scramble inside the six-yard box.

A draw was probably fair, although Palace could have nicked it. Hughesey was outstanding for Palace while Hudson, deputising ably for Popovic, was man of the match. After the final whistle Sir Steve took a standing ovation from the Palace crowd.

Crystal Palace 1

Johnson 79 (pen)

Reading 1

Harper 81

Teams:

Crystal Palace: G Kiraly, D Ward, M Hudson, F Hall, E Boyce, T Soares, M Hughes, B Watson, J McAnuff, A Johnson, J Macken.

Subs: D Freedman, C Morrison, M Leigertwood, W Andrews, J Speroni.

Reading: M Hahnemann, G Murty, I Sonko, I Ingimarsson, N Shorey, G Little, S Sidwell, J Harper, B Convey, D Kitson, K Doyle.

Subs: B Gunnarsson, L Lita, S Hunt, J Oster, G Stack.

Referee: T Kettle.

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