September 25 2001

Smith scored early on

The Eagles won their third consecutive game as they beat Sheffield United by three goals to nil.

Sheffield United started well in this midweek fixture, but it was Palace who took the lead after eleven minutes.

Jamie Smith was it who drilled a low shot through a packed penalty area after Blades keeper Simon Tracey had blocked Clinton Morrison's initial shot.

United then continued to push forward, but Eagles goalie Matt Clarke did well saving a Shane Nicholson curling free-kick.

Early in the second half Dougie Freedman wasted two great chances to extend the Palace lead.

In the 75th minute, however, the home side equalised through Nicholson whose free-kick took a wicked deflection off the Palace wall and flew past the wrong-footed Clarke.

Only minutes later The Eagles were awarded a controversial penalty, which was converted by Freedman to make it 1-2.

David Hopkin secured all three points in the dying seconds with a low drive past Tracey after good work by Morrison.

The South Londoners moved up to 6th place after this third consecutive win.