November 27 2007

Clinton Morrison

Crystal Palace came from a goal down to beat Preston 2-1, with goals coming from Clinton Morrison and Clint Hill.

Neil Warnock started with a 4-3-3 formation, bringing in Dougie Freedman for the injured Paul Ifill, and Tom Soares replaced Mark Kennedy.

Palace started the game brightly, and after 8 minutes Freedman volleyed wide after good work from Morrison and James Scowcroft.

Further chances fell to Morrison and Hudson, but Preston had their fair share of chances too. Julian Speroni had to be alert to tip over Kevin Nicholls shot, 10 minutes before half time.

Shortly after Preston won a corner, and Youl Mawene nodded home at the far post to put Preston one up, despite Speroni insisting there was an infringement.

However, it wasn't long before Palace equalised. A long free kick from the Eagles' half was nodded on by Scowcroft into the path of Morrison, whose instinctive back flick hit the crossbar and crossed the line.

In stoppage time, Palace grabbed what was the eventual winner, through recent loan signing Clint Hill.

Watson played a quick free kick through to Morrison in the box, his turn and shot was blocked by Preston keeper Andrew Lonergan, but the rebound fell nicely to Clint Hill whose looping header found its way into the net, for his first goal for Palace.

Palace continued to press for a third goal in the second half, and had close chances through Hill and a crisply struck volley from Watson, which was well saved.

Warnock decided to bring on fresh legs towards the end through Dave Martin, and Paul Dickov. Both players played their part in frustrating Preston in the dying minutes before full time.

The final whistle meant another 3 points for the Eagles, and was met by jubilation from the Palace faithful.

Palace: Speroni, Lawrence, Hill, Fonte, Hudson (c), Derry, Scowcroft, Watson, Soares (Butterfield 90), Freedman (Martin 68), Morrison (Dickov 85)

Subs not used: Kennedy, Scannell

Goals: Morrison 42, Hill 45

Booked: Lawrence 24