December 1 2007

Clinton Morrison

Crystal Palace secure a 1-1 draw with West Brom, with Clinton Morrison netting Palace's equalising goal.

Neil Warnock made one change from the side which beat Preston in midweek, opting for the on loan Franck Songo'o in place of Dougie Freedman.

The visitors took an early lead when Jonathan Greening's corner was blocked, but his follow up cross was directed into the net by Mark Hudson under pressure from Bostjan Cesar.

West Brom continued to press for a second and Robert Koren came close with a 20 yard shot which went just wide.

Palace hit back though on 21 minutes when Ben Watson's floated free kick into the box was nudged down by Jose Fonte into the path of Morrison who made no mistake from 6 yards out.

Immediately after the restart, Palace almost grabbed a second, when Morrison turned provider with an inviting cross which was headed just wide by James Scowcroft.

Shortly after West Brom almost grabbed a second when Koren's shot hit the bar and the Eagles managed scramble the ball clear.

A few minutes into the second half Morrison, who had been suffering from a virus in the past few days, was replaced by Paul Dickov.

Palace had two claims for a penalty shortly afterwards, Clint Hill going down in the box after controlling a Watson cross, and then when Scowcroft appeared to be barged over in the box, but referee Uriah Rennie dismissed the protests.

Palace were further incensed when Songo'o was bought down on the right wing after setting Scowcroft free, but despite the advantage Rennie whistled for the free kick.

Further chances came Palace's way through Watson and Tom Soares but neither could find Palace a winner.

On 78 minutes Speroni dropped the ball after trying to claim a cross from the left, but luckily Palace were able to clear through Matt Lawrence.

Late on Dave Martin made another appearance from the subs bench, coming on for Songo'o.

When the final whistle blew, Palace fans came away from Selhurst Park pleased with a battling performance.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Lawrence, Hill, Fonte, Hudson (c), Derry, Scowcroft, Watson, Soares, Songo'o (Martin 79), Morrison (Dickov 48).