February 12 2008

Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace are without a win in four as they crash 1-0 at home to Ipswich Town.

Ipswich began brightly as Alan Lee hit a curling effort that was held by Julian Speroni, then Jon Walters nodded Danny Haynes' centre off target.

Lee went close with two headers before Macedonian midfielder Velice Sumulikoski also headed past the post.

Palace's first real chance arrived in the 28th minute when Lee Hills crossed to Clinton Morrison, his shot was blocked, and Sean Scannell couldn't convert the rebound.

Ben Watson should have put the Eagles in front, getting on the end of Scannell's backheel, but side-footed straight at Town keeper Stephen Bywater.

Hudson then saw his goal-bound strike hacked clear from under the crossbar from Naylor as it headed towards the back of the net.

And right on the half-time whistle, Ipswich scored what proved the be the only goal of the game in fortuitous fashion. Lee crossed to Naylor whose shot smacked against the head of Haynes and spun over Speroni into the back of the net.

Speroni was lucky to stay on the pitch as he rushed out of his area to take out Walters as he raced through on goal at the start of the second half. Luckily for Palace, referee Mr Penton branded him just a yellow.

Sub Shefki Kuqi fired wide and in the dying moments, Morrison slipped as he tried to connect to Danny Butterfield's free-kick.

Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, Lawrence, Hudson, Hills, Danns, Watson (Fletcher 46), Derry (Freedman 67), Scannell, Scowcroft (Kuqi 56), Morrison.

Not Used: Ifill, Fonte.

Ipswich: Bywater, Bruce (Wright 86), De Vos, Naylor, Harding, Norris, Miller, Sumulikoski, Haynes, Lee (Counago 82), Walters.

Not Used: Colgan, Garvan, Trotter.