August 2 2009

Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Gillingham in their final pre-season game.

Eagles manager Neil Warnock fielded a weakened side against the League One outfit ahead of next Saturday's Championship opener at home to Plymouth.

In a drab first period, Alassane N'Diaye went close for the home side as the Gills were restricted to pop shots at goal.

The match improved after the break with Alan Lee firing over for the Eagles then Gillingham's Adam Miller saw his 25 yard strike smash against the bar.

Gillingham keeper Alan Julian made a good stop to deny Sean Scannell's shot after an excellent driving run from the winger. N'Diaye should have put Palace in front but wasted a chance from eight yards out.

And Palace were made to pay for that miss as Gillingham netted through Jack Payne who converted Andy Barcham's low cross from the left just past the hour mark.

The Gills almost increased their lead with Darryl Flahavan saving from Barcham and Mark Bentley hit the post.

Palace: Flahavan, John (Abnett 70), Carle (Adelakun 83), Hills, Lawrence, Butterfield (Nnamani 83), Ertl, Pinney (Lee, 45), Cadogan, Comley (Scannell), N'Diaye (Holness).

Not used: Thomas, Wright, Mann.