February 17 2007

Peter Taylor

Palace lose 1-0 to Steve Bruce's Birmingham City at Selhurst Park.

Peter Taylor chose the up front pairing of Shefki Kuqi and Dougie Freedman, with another start for Gary Borrowdale in defence. There was no place in the squad though for Michael Hughes, despite being fully fit.

Birmingham started the game brightly and were unlucky not to have gone ahead as early as the 2nd minute of the game.

Cameron Jerome charged down the right flank and found Damien Johnson who helped the ball onto the on-loan Nicklas Bendtner, but the Arsenal striker managed to skew his shot over the bar.

Shortly after, midfielder Stephen Clemence had a chance when he pounced on a half-cleared ball, but his shot was deflected wide.

However on 35 minutes Birmingham made the breakthrough they were threatening to do.

Bendtner chased Gary McSheffrey's pass to the byline and cut the ball back for Jerome to turn and fire past Gabor Kiraly from six yards out.

Paul Ifill came agonisingly close to equalising just before half time, when his shot cannoned off the post.

The second half was fairly forgettable, and Palace rarly threatened through out. Taylor threw on Clinton Morrison, James Scrowcroft and Jobi McAnuff in an attempt to force a breakthrough, but it wasn't to be their day.

Morrison had a late appeal for a penalty, when he appeared to be tugged back, but it was turned down by referee Steve Tanner.

Another disappointing defeat for Taylor's team, which was met by another chorus of boos from the crowd.

Today's football results and scorers

Championship table

Palace 2006/7 team stats

Rate the players' performance

Send us your match report

Call the HOL on 07092 362 125 and tell us what you thought of the match! More information about the service

See how you got on in the Prediction League

Did you take any photos of the game? Add them to the From The Terrace Gallery