September 13 2008

Ben Watson

Ben Watson and Nick Carle scored as Crystal Palace claimed their first league win of the season with a 2-0 triumph over Swansea City.

Swansea fashioned the first opportunity as Leon Britton and Ferrie Boddeworked worked well to set up Jason Scotland whose shot was easy for Eagles keeper Julian Speroni.

But Palace hit back with Paul Ifill forcing Swansea stopper Dorus De Vries to fist away his drive, then Clint Hill blasted an attempt over the bar.

John Oster was forced off injured - replaced by youngster Kieran Djilali - before James Scowcroft was also substituted with an injury with Calvin Andrew coming on.

De Vries had saved another Ifill strike before the London club took the lead in the 28th minute through wantaway midfielder Watson who curled a free-kick into the bottom right corner.

Shaun Derry tried to get in on the act but his long-range shot was blocked by De Vries. And seconds before half-time, Speroni smothered Scotland's effort as Palace went into the break one goal up.

In the second half, the Swans went in search of an equaliser with Thomas Butler and Mark Gower testing Julian Speroni.

Andrew screwed a shot off target before Gorka Pintado had a "goal" disallowed for a foul on the Palace keeper.

The Eagles extended their advantage in the 66th minute as Carle curled a 20-yard shot past the outstretched arms of De Vries.

De Vries kept out a Djilali attempt, while Speroni made a smart save from Darren Pratley.

Substitute Sean Scannell fired wide of the goal late on as Palace took a priceless three points.

Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, Lawrence, Fonte, Hill, Oster (Djilali 21), Watson, Derry, Ifill (Scannell 88), Carle, Scowcroft (Andrew 26).

Not Used: Moses, Ertl.

Swansea: De Vries, Rangel, Williams, Monk, Painter (Fede 70), Gower (Pintado 55), Britton, Bodde, Butler, Scotland (Brandy 83), Pratley.

Not Used: Tate, Gomez.

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