February 27 2008

Palace reserves v Leyton Orient

A goal from Victor Moses proved in vain as Crystal Palace reserves lost 3-1 against Leyton Orient.

The match was moved to Palace's Beckenham training ground as the O's pitch was being prepared for the Women's Cup final.

It saw injured Eagles defenders Arron Fray and Tony Craig making long-awaited returns to action - though Fray was forced off after 22 minutes.

Palace got their noses in front in the 18th minute through Moses who robbed Sean Thornton on the left and fired a powerful drive into the top corner from 25 yards.

A goal down and playing away from home did not unsettle Orient as they equalised 11 minutes later. Wayne Corden set up Thornton and he made ammends for his earlier mistake by driving home.

Five minutes before the break the O's went in front as Andy Barcham blasted a loose ball on the edge of the area past Palace keeper Craig Ross.

Victory was sealed for Orient when Corden volleyed Charlie Daniels' cross at the back post four minutes from time.

Palace: Ross, Fray (Dalhouse 22), Craig, Adelukan (Sweeney 74), Swaibu, Fonte (Edwards 55), Robinson, Smith, Freedman, Scannell, Moses. Not used: Jupp, Kudjodji.