November 18 2008

Calvin Andrew

Crystal Palace's reserves saw off local rivals Charlton to win 4-3 away in the Combination Cup and progress to the next round.

The Addicks drew first blood in the seventh minute after Jonjo Shelvey put away Chris Dickson's left-side cross.

Rhoys Wiggins and Leandre Griffit went close for the home side but Charlton doubled the lead on 18 minutes with a Dickson volley.

Palace hit back with a Calvin Andrew goal after he nodded home Keiran Djilali's cross after 24 minutes.

Charlton keeper Rob Elliot denied Nick Carle and Andrew with saves and Kuqi fired a good opportunity wide.

Palace were rewarded for their pressure with an equaliser on 35 minutes from James Comley who scored with a fine 35 yard strike which curled in off the far post.

Five minutes later, the Eagles went in front for the first time through Djilali who headed in Griffit's corner.

Then Shefki Kuqi made it 4-2 in the 64th minute with a neat turn and shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Kuqi forced a good block out of Elliot before Josh Wright combined with Dean Sinclair to set up a thrilling finish.

Charlton substitute Martin Christensen almost got a late equaliser but volleyed over, while there was still time for Elliot to push out a Simon Thomas shot.

Palace: Wilkinson, Abnett (Carolan 73), Wiggins, Comley, Ertl, Nnamani, Djilali, Carle, Andrew, Kuqi (Thomas 78), Griffit (Smith 66).

Not used: Adelakun, Holland.

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