February 2 2008

James Scowcroft

James Scowcroft was on target as Crystal Palace were held 1-1 at home to Southampton.

The target man looked to have secured all three points when he fired the Eagles ahead on 73 minutes, but Stern John grabbed a deserved equaliser 11 minutes later.

In a match devoid of quality, Palace fashioned the first chance as youngster Sean Scannell latched onto the end of Scowcroft's flick-on but shot wide.

Jason Euell directed a header off target for the Saints, Andrew Surman and Adam Hammill both tried long-range strikes, while Bradley Wright-Philips tamely fired wide of the goal.

Sandwiched between those efforts, Scowcroft forced Saints keeper Kelvin Davies into an easy save with a 20-yard drive.

After John blasted over the bar in the second half, Clinton Morrison saw his effort from the edge of the box go agonisingly past the post.

Palace manager Neil Warnock threw on new signing Neil Danns and Dougie Freedman to inject some life into the game and the home side stole the lead on 73 minutes.

Danns rose above Darren Powell in the box and the ball arrived at Scowcroft's feet and he toe poked passed Davies from six yards out.

But Palace missed out on the victory with six minutes left as Andrew Sturman's cross was turned in by John from close range.

Palace: Speroni, Halls, Lawrence, Hudson, Hill, Scannell (Moses 88), Derry, Watson, Soares (Danns 64), Scowcroft, Morrison (Freedman 64).

Not Used: Kuqi, Hills.

Southampton: Davis, Thomas, Powell, Davies, Wright, Wright-Phillips (Saganowski 71), Surman, Euell, Safri (Idiakez 77), Hammill (McGoldrick 79), John.

Not Used: Bialkowski, Viafara.