February 10 2007

Leon Cort

Palace lost 2-1 to bottom-placed Leeds at Elland Road, bringing their eight-match unbeaten league run to a dismal end, reports Peter Gillman.

Palace had most of the early play, with openings falling to Morrison, Scowcroft and Kennedy. But Leeds went ahead on 27 minutes after winning a corner.

Blake's weak kick somehow eluded the Palace defence inside the six-yard box, where Lawrence failed to clear. The ball reached Heath at the far post and he stooped to nod the ball home.

The goal shook Palace and Leeds pressed for a second. On 41 minutes Kiraly made a stunning reflex save to block a deflection following another Leeds corner.

Palace offered little after the interval, and Taylor brought on Freedman and Kuqi on 60 minutes. Moments later Kiraly had to save a fierce shot from Blake.

Blake put Leeds two up on 73 minutes. An attempted pass by Cresswell was deflected off Borrowdale to Blake, who cut past Hudson and slotted the ball past Kiraly.

Palace showed some urgency at last. Cort got a goal back on 83 minutes when he rose to meet a Kennedy free kick and headed past keeper Akergren. But the Eagles could not create another opening and the defeat surely ends their playoff hopes.

Palace: Kiraly; Butterfield (Spence 73), Cort, Hudson, Borrowdale; Ifill (Freedman 60), Lawrence, Fletcher, Kennedy; Morrison, Scowcroft (Kuqi 60).

Subs (not used): Speroni, Ward,

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