April 14 2007

Jobi McAnuff

Crystal Palace drew 2-2 with Wolves at Selhurst Park, failing to clinch the match after Wolves had been reduced to 10 men before half-time, reports Peter Gillman.

All the drama, and the goals, came in the first half. Palace had ample chances to win after half time but had to settle for a share of the points.

Palace went ahead on 12 minutes after Soares had been fouled on the right. Watson floated in a centre which Hudson headed home from six yards.

Wolves were level within a minute, scoring – predictably – through Palace reject Jay Bothroyd. The Wolves number ten was unmarked as he met a centre and looped a header over Kiraly into the far corner of the net.

Ten minutes later Bothroyd put Wolves ahead with a stunning individual goal. He shimmied past Hudson then lashed a shot which beat Kiraly at his near post.

On 29 minutes Kuqi had the ball in the Wolves net but the goal was disallowed for a push on keeper Budtz, a decision by ref Thorpe which brought boos and jeers from the Palace fans.

Palace equalised on 36 minutes after Watson won the ball in midfield and sent Kuqi away on the right. Kuqi’s cross went behind Morrison but McAnuff was there to drive the ball home.

The biggest dramas came in the five minutes before half time. First Wolves keeper Budtz went down as if pole-axed after Morrison collided with him as he chased a through-ball. It was a foolish move by Morrison but Budtz’s reaction certainly appeared exaggerated.

Then on 42 minutes Wolves defender Mark Little was sent off after two yellows – both for fouls on McAnuff.

Palace stormed into the attack after half-time and created a string of openings. Morrison came closest when he narrowly failed to touch home a cross from Lawrence. Kuqi blasted wide from a good position and Cort had a header saved at full stretch by Budtz.

On 63 minutes Wolves manager Mick McCarthy appeared to settle for a draw when he replaced front-man Bothroyd with midfielder Ward.

Palace created few openings afterwards and Peter Taylor’s substitutions, bringing on Ifill, Scowcroft and Kennedy, made no difference. It was disappointing that Palace were unable to finish off a Wolves side that was visibly tiring and creating few chances of their own.

Palace: Kiraly; Lawrence, Hudson, Cort, Borrowdale; Soares (Ifill 59), Fletcher, Watson, McAnuff (Kennedy 77); Morrison, Kuqi (Scowcroft 72) .

Subs (not used): Speroni, Buttterfield. .

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