August 30 2008

Tom Soares

Crystal Palace are still looking for their first league win of the season after suffering a 4-2 defeat at Reading.

James Harper got the day's scoring underway in the 18th minute when he reacted first to score on the rebound after Julian Speroni had saved Stephen Hunt's initial effort.

Hunt then fired in a dangerous inswinging corner that hit the post before another of his flag kicks resulted in Speroni saving Alex Pearce's header.

Nine minutes before half-time, Palace levelled the scores from the penalty spot. Calvin Andrew swung in a cross to Nick Carle, whose volley smacked against Harper's hand for a penalty. Carle despatched the spot-kick, sending Marcus Hahnemann the wrong way.

Kevin Doyle went close to regaining the lead for Reading with a fantastic turn and shot that Speroni was at full stretch to push over.

However, it was Palace who took a 2-1 lead in the 64th minute through transfer-listed midfielder Tom Soares. New Ipswich signing Alan Lee controlled the ball on his chest and crossed to the far post where Soares bundled over the line.

The lead was short-lived as three minutes later, Doyle brought the scores level after being left unmarked to slot home Hunt's corner from close range.

Seconds later, Doyle added another to make it 3-2 to the Royals. Harper's corner was missed by Speroni, Jem Karacan shot for goal and Doyle stabbed the ball over the line.

Reading substitute Noel Hunt and Doyle had opportunities to score, but Doyle completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute.

Hunt launched a fine cross into the Palace area which Ivar Ingimarsson headed towards goal and Doyle nodded past Speroni for 4-2.

Reading: Hahnemann, Rosenior, Pearce, Ingimarsson, Armstrong, Kebe, Harper, Karacan, Stephen Hunt, Long (Noel Hunt 68), Doyle.

Not Used: Convey, Bikey, Federici, Kelly.

Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, McCarthy (Lee 46), Hill, Lawrence, Hills (Scannell 73), Oster, Soares, Derry (Fletcher 77), Carle, Andrew.

Not Used: Moses, Ertl.

Today's results and scorers

2008/09 Reports

Palace 2008/09 team stats

Rate the players' performance

Did you take any photos of the game? Upload them here