March 2 2002

Julian Gray scored Palace's first

Crystal Palace were comprehensively outplayed and beaten by a well-organised Grimsby 5-2.

The Eagles could not repeat Tuesday's fine win over Barnsley and the goals were scored by Julian Gray and Clinton Morrison.

The home side had the better of the opening exchanges and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 31st minute, with a gret strike.

Andy Todd, on loan from Charlton, hit a 30-yard shot which took a slight deflection and sailed into the top corner giving Matt Clarke no chance.

Grimsby were well in control and put the game beyond reach with two goals right on half-time.

Michael Boulding skillfully opened up the Eagles' defence with a great run and fired past Clarke. Seconds later, more bad defending allowed Bradley Allen to net the third goal.

Tommy Black came on for Jamie Smith for the second half as Trevor Francis tried to change things round as Palace were getting completely outplayed.

Morrison had a tame shot saved but Grimsby were piling on the pressure and Danny Butterfield was looking dangerous. It was his cross which was turned into his own net by Curtis Fleming for Grimsby's fourth goal in the 58th minute.

In the 64th minute, Palace pulled a goal back when Gray scored a delightful free-kick from the edge of the box which flew over the wall into the top right corner - his second goal in a row.

Clarke then tipped Boulding's header over the crossbar and Morrison skied over a shot from the edge of the box.

Dougie Freedman and Morrison combined well for the Irish international to score Palace's second goal of the day with 10 minutes to go. Palace pushed forward, but Grimsby are allowed a fifth goal to pile on the misery.

With just two minutes to go, Butterfield cut in from the left, and with Clarke coming off his line, passed to David Smith to score.