Palace fight-back not quite enough

Charlton were the visitors for the fourth reserve game at Bromley, a venue they look likely to stay at next season, which ended in a narrow defeat for the home side.

Kit Symons gave a reserve team debut to 16-year-old Academy player David Pilgrim and he impressed throughout the first half.

After chances from Pilgrim and a trademark long range shot, it was Charlton who opened the scoring just before the break, Myles Weston got free down the right wing before cutting in and sending an screamer past David Wilkinson.

At half-time both Glenn Wilson and Pilgrim were forced off by injury but within moments of the restart, Lewis Grabban had smashed a shot against the post. A minute later, Charlton were awarded a penalty when Aaron was harshly adjudged to have fouled the lively Walker, who also scored the resulting penalty sending Wilkinson the worng way.

Charlton tried to sit back on their lead, and Palace went at them, but despite being by far the better side could only claw one goal back after Spence sent in a low cross from the right and Chralton defender Barry Fuller deflected the ball into his own net with eleven minutes left on the clock.

A further late charge brought forth no joy and Charlton escaped with the points.

Palace: Wilkinson; Fray, Wilson (Kamara 45), Swaibu, Granville (Dayton 62), J Hughes, Spence, Pilgrim (Straker 45), Wiggins; Grabban, Sheringham.

Subs not used: Pearson, Kudjodi.

Goal: Own Goal (79).

Posted by neil