April 9 2009

Paddy McCarthy

Paddy McCarthy returned from injury as Crystal Palace reserves were 2-0 victors at Gillingham.

McCarthy made his first appearance since December after undergoing an operation on his shoulder and managed over an hour of game time.

Palace started well with their first attempt resulting in a goal as James Comley lashed home a finely-taken volley from 20 yards in the 14th minute.

James Dayton went agonisingly close to adding another when his free-kick from the edge of the area cannoned off the post with Gills keeper Darren Behcet stranded.

On the stroke of half-time, Nathaniel Pinney stretched Palace's lead when he got on the end of a ball over the top and out-paced the Gillingham defence to sweep home.

Josh Sergeant had Gillingham's only meaningful effort at the end before Dayton again tried his luck with a long-range free-kick.

With four wins and a draw from their last five outings, the reserves move up to fourth in the Combination table.

Palace: Flinders, Abnett, Ertl, McCarthy (Nnamani 63), Parsons, Carolan, N'Diaye, Comley (Holness 66), Pinney (Roberts 76), Thomas, Dayton.

Not used: Holland.

In Depth Reserve reports, fixtures and table

In Depth Academy fixtures, results and table