August 16 2008

The Football League

Crystal Palace crashed to their first defeat of the season with a 2-0 loss at Preston.

Preston dominated virtually the entire first half and the Eagles failed to create an opportunity until the 37th minute.

Julian Speroni pulled off a fine save in the 12th minute as a header was powered in from a corner, but as the ball fell to Sean St Ledger, the defender saw his shot cleared off the line by Danny Butterfield.

Preston had further chances with Chris Sedgwick putting a volley off target and Simon Whaley blasting over with a 20-yard strike.

Eight minutes before half-time, Palace woke up with youngster Lee Hills forcing Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan into a good save. Then in first half injury time, Lonergan kept out a six-yard effort from Hills again.

Preston were rewarded for their efforts just before the hour mark with the opening goal. Left-back Callum Davidson delivered a cross from the byline to Neil Mellor whose goalbound shot was blocked, but Barry Nicholson blasted home the rebound.

Palace had claims for a penalty turned down in the 63rd minute when James Scowcroft appeared to be shoved in the back by keeper Lonergan.

And Richard Chaplow sealed victory with a low shot from eight yards in stoppage time to secure Preston's third win of the season.

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Davidson (Hart 73), Whaley, McKenna, Sedgwick, Chaplow, Mellor, Nicholson.

Not Used: Chris Neal, Hawley, Carter, Wallace.

Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, McCarthy, Lawrence, Hill, Oster (Ifill 83), Soares, Derry, Carle (Andrew 74), Hills (Moses 66), Scowcroft.

Not Used: Fonte, Ertl.

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