April 25 2009

Johannes Ertl

Crystal Palace were beaten 2-0 by Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium.

But the Eagles could count themselves unlucky not to have scored at least once in the first half with Johannes Ertl, Neil Danns and Anthony Stokes all seeing efforts crash against the post.

The first arrived in the 20th minute as Nick Carle's free-kick was met by Ertl's header and the defender-cum-midfielder saw it smack against the upright.

A minute later, Danns went on a probing run forward and hit a shot that clattered the post again.

The woodwork denied Palace yet again when Stokes curled in a shot from the left wing that beat keeper Neil Sullivan but flew against the post.

And the Eagles were left to rue those missed chances as right before half-time, Doncaster took the lead with their first opportunity on goal. Richie Wellens made space on the left and he fed Dean Shiels who burst clear to slot past Julian Speroni.

Doncaster were boosted by the goal and took a foothold of the game in the second period, however Danns tested Sullivan with a decent shot from 12 yards.

Stokes had the ball in the back of the Doncaster net with a fine header from Nathaniel Clyne's cross but it was ruled out for offside.

John Spicer spooned over as Doncaster went in search of a second goal before James Hayter extended his side's advantage with a powerful shot from Waide Fairhurst's pass in the 75th minute.

Stokes had a shot off target, while Speroni was called into action to keep out Martin Woods as Donny ran out comfortable victors.

Palace have recorded just one victory of their last eight matches and drop to 14th in the league table.

Doncaster: Sullivan (Gary Woods 90), Chambers, Van Nieuwstadt, Hird, Roberts, Spicer, Martin Woods, Wellens, Shiels (Guy 78), Hayter, LuaLua (Fairhurst 64).

Not Used: Fisher, Clarke.

Palace: Speroni, Clyne, Lawrence, McCarthy, Hill, Ertl, Carle (Cadogan 58), Danns, Rui Fonte (Hills 76), Stokes, Kuqi (Scowcroft 69).

Not Used: Jose Fonte, Comley.

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