April 11 2009

Paddy McCarthy

Crystal Palace were defeated 2-0 in a scoreline that flattered high-flying Cardiff City.

Bluebirds striker Ross McCormack scored a contentious penalty in the first half before grabbing his second goal at the death.

Paddy McCarthy made his long-awaited comeback to the side after three months out with a shoulder injury and Nathaniel Clyne, Clint Hill, Rui Fonte and Nick Carle started.

Michael Chopra thought he had given Cardiff a third-minute lead but his effort was disallowed for offside. Shortly after, he blasted in a free-kick that was saved by Julian Speroni's legs.

The Eagles went in search of an opening goal but were dealt a sucker punch when Clyne was harshly adjudged to have bundled over Joe Ledley in the area in the 22nd minute. McCormack cooly converted the spot-kick and sent Speroni the wrong way.

Victor Moses saw a strike on goal blocked by a defender, then Shefki Kuqi snapped a shot wide of the goal as the game went from end to end.

After Chopra hobbled off injured, Cardiff were forced into another change with defender Roger Johnson went off after some lengthy treatment following a challenge with on-loan centre back Claude Davis.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones was so riled by the challenge, he went to confront Davis at half-time and had to be restrained by stewards.

Palace manager Neil Warnock got involved in the mellee and both bosses were sent to the stands for the second period.

Rui Fonte had a good shout for a penalty turned down by referee Russell Booth as Palace pressed for an equaliser their possession deserved.

Ledley flashed a shot off target from McCormack's free-kick, while Fonte, Moses and Carle also wasted good chances.

But in the last minute, McCormack made sure of maximum points with a neat turn past Davis and he drove low past Speroni into the far corner.

Palace: Speroni, Clyne, McCarthy, Davis, Hill, Rui Fonte (Pinney 90), Derry (Comley 46), Carle, Moses, Kuqi, Stokes (Cadogan 80).

Not Used: Lawrence, Hills.

Cardiff: Taylor, McNaughton, Gyepes, Roger Johnson (Comminges 45), Kennedy, McCormack, Rae, McPhail, Ledley, Chopra (Parry 38), Bothroyd (Eddie Johnson 77).

Not Used: Heaton, Whittingham.

Today's results and scorers

2008/09 reports

2008/09 squad stats

Rate the players' performance

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