November 17 2001

Crystal Palace

The Eagles have beaten Crewe Alexandra by four goals to one at Selhurst Park today. All five goals were scored in a teriffic first half.

Goal scorers for Palace were Watson (og), Morrison, Kirovski and Freedman. The only goal for Crewe was scored by Ashton.

Crystal Palace took the lead after 25 minutes when defender Walton headed a Freedman cross past his own keeper at the near post.

Only five minutes later Clinton Morrison doubled the lead for The Eagles. The Republic of Ireland international scored his 12th of the season with a swerving right-foot shot that went around Ademole Bankole.

Morrison was also involved in Palace's third goal. He found found American international Kirovski who drilled in a low shot from inside the penalty area.

On 41 minutes Crewe managed to pull one back. Dean Ashton volleyed home a Kenny Lunt free kick at the near post.

Minutes later it was Dougie Freedman who restored Palace's three-goal cushion. The Scottish international headed home a Hayden Mullins cross for his 13th league goal of the season.

After the interval Palace could have gone on to win by more, but Morrison and Freedman both missed with only the keeper left to beat.

The Eagles climbed to second spot after this fine win, with 34 points from 17 games. Burnley are top with 37 points from 20 games.

Crystal Palace: Clarke, Austin, Edwards, Mullins, Hopkin, Riihilahti, Rodger, Gray, Kirovski, Freedman, Morrison. Subs: Kolinko, Black, Berhalter, Thomson, Kabba.

Crewe: Bankole, Wright, Walton, Foster, Smith, Lunt, Brammer, Sorvel, Charnock, Ashton, Hulse. Subs: Jack, Sodje, Ince, Thomas, Rix.

Referee: R Olivier (Sutton Coldfield)