October 14 2006

Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace went down 2-1 to a late goal after matching Championship leaders Cardiff City, writes Peter Gillman.

Palace had gone behind in the second minute but fought back and looked good value for a draw, until Cardiff got the break that brought them all three points.

Chopra put Cardiff ahead in their first attack when he pounced on a loose ball in the box and drove into Kiraly's top right corner.

Palace pressed for the equaliser, Kuqi slicing wide when Scowcoft put him clear on 33 minutes.

On 39 minutes, a superb through ball by Jobi McAnuff to Stuart Green beat the Cardiff offside trap. Green rounded Cardiff keeper Alexander and slotted the ball inside the far post.

In a fast-moving second half, the Palace midfield took a grip and Jobi had a 10-yard shot well saved after being put through by Scowcroft. The Doog replaced Jobi on 66 minutes and immediately opened up the Cardiff defence, only for the final pass to go astray.

Scimeca won the match for Cardiff with seven minutes left. Chopra made a jinking run into the centre and shot against Kiraly's right-hand post from 25 yards. WIth Kiraly on the ground, the ball rebounded perfectly to Scimeca, who was quickest to follow up and side-footed into the empty net.

Palace did not create a clear chance in the remaining play. The defeat pushes Palace down to eighth place, nine points behind Cardiff but only three off second place.

Palace: Kiraly; Lawrence (Hudson 46), Ward, Cort, Borrowdale; Green (Soares 85), Watson, Kennedy, McAnuff (Freedman 66); Scowcroft, Kuqi.

Subs not used: Speroni, Morrison. .

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