May 20 2023
Joel Ward celebrates a rare goal for the Eagles
Crystal Palace battled to a 2-2 draw against Fulham in the penultimate game of the season.
In a clash between mid-table teams at Craven Cottage, it was Crystal Palace who took the lead against the run of play. Odsonne Edouard capitalized on a quick counter-attack, finishing with precision to put the Eagles ahead.
Fulham responded strongly, and their talisman Mitrovic, returning from suspension, stepped up to the occasion. Just before halftime, he converted a penalty, won after Tyrick Mitchell's challenge on Harry Wilson. The Serbian striker showcased his aerial prowess in the second half, meeting Willian's free-kick with a powerful header to complete the comeback for Fulham.
With time running out, Crystal Palace fought valiantly for an equalizer. And it was Joel Ward, who rose to the occasion to score his first goal in four years. From a set piece, his initial effort was saved by Bernd Leno, but he made no mistake on the second attempt, scrambling the ball home and earning a precious point for the Eagles.
The match began with a sense of end-of-season tranquility, with both teams playing for pride. Crystal Palace's safety in mid-table is a testament to the remarkable work done by Roy Hodgson, who has lost only two of his nine matches in charge, steering the Eagles away from relegation danger.
Despite a slow start, Crystal Palace struck first with a clinical counter-attack. Eberechi Eze's incisive pass found Edouard, who displayed composure and accuracy to fire the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
Fulham, however, quickly turned the tide in their favor through the influential Mitrovic. His return to the starting lineup injected energy into the team, and his penalty conversion before halftime restored parity. Mitrovic's second goal, a commanding header from a Willian free-kick, showcased his aerial prowess and looked to secure a victory for the hosts.
But Crystal Palace fought until the very end. Ward's late goal was a product of their determination and resilience, as they exploited poor marking from a set piece to secure a hard-fought draw.
The draw sees Crystal Palace move above Chelsea into 11th place, albeit having played two more games than their London rivals. As the season nears its end, both teams will reflect on their performances and seek areas for improvement.
In the end, it was a pulsating London derby that provided late drama and excitement for the fans. Crystal Palace showcased their fighting spirit, while Fulham demonstrated their progress and resilience throughout the season.
Palace: Johnstone, Ward, Andersen, Guéhi, Mitchell, Doucouré, Hughes, Olise, Eze, Ayew, Édouard (Mateta, 80)
Fulham: Leno, Tete, Tosin, Diop, Robinson, Reed, João Palhinha, Wilson (De Cordova-Reid, 80), Cairney (Solomon, 80), Willian, Mitrovic
How did you get on in the Prediction League?
Did you take any photos of the game? Upload them here
Time to start doing Business Steve..!!
at 12.22am by Fanofzhiyi
Palace potentially denied entry to Europa League?
at 11.56pm by Jim_Cannon
Chant for Forest games next season
at 10.37pm by Part Time James
Home kit
at 9.16pm by Part Time James
Happy Birthday Steve Parish
at 7.37pm by Teddy Eagle
Our present squad
at 5.34pm by theorist
I can see a poor start again this season and a struggle to match last season's achievements
at 3.16pm by ambrose7
FA cup final commerative ticket
at 1.31pm by LukaLukaLuka
What age did you take your son/daughter to their first game?
at 12.18pm by ASCPFC
Christian Palace
at 5.15pm by Lanzo-Ad
All images and text on this site are copyright © 1999-2025 The Holmesdale Online, unless otherwise stated.
Web Design by Guntrisoft Ltd.