Freedman classy lob not enough to save Palace.

Palace suffered defeat for the second time at reserve level this season losing 2-1 to Coventry at Nuneaton Borough's ground.

Team wise it was a strong line-up, but Palace at times did not quite impose themselves on the game as much as they should have, and some poor second half referee's decisions
in favour of the home side did not help matters either.

For Coventry, goalkeeper Scott Shearer made an appearance, and striker Patrick Suffo whilst the source of some second half niggling, put in a good display for the watching managerial trio of Joe Royle, Paul Sturrock and Ronnie Moore, making a nuisance of himself throughout the game. Palace also had their entire management team present, including Iain Dowie observing from the stands.

The Eagles lined-up with Anthony Danze debuting in midfield after receiving international clearance, and the backbone of the side consisted of Leigertwood, Speroni, Derry, Freedman and Shipperley - probably the strongest side we've fielded at this level so far this season.

Young Ryan Hall took up the left wing position, and Leigertwood filled in at left back.

Things did not get off to the best of starts though, as on loan Manchester Utd midfielder Eddie Johnson fired a shot from the edge of the area past several Palace players and 'keeper Speroni to make it 1-0 after only 3 minutes !

As Coventry tried to retain possession and add to their lead, Palace made a reply of sorts on 18 minutes with a deep Danny Butterfield cross from the right (to the back post) that wasn't claimed cleanly by Shearer. Ryan Hall tried his luck with a follow up shot from inside the area, that was blocked near the goal-line.

It wasn't until 34 minutes that another chance came either side's way, as Suffo reacted quickly to swivel inside the area and meet a throw from the right touchline. The shot
bobbed low past the left hand post. The same player then put a header over the bar three minutes from half time as he responded unmarked to a cross from the right.

Then just on the stroke of half time, and with goal chances at a premium either end, Palace replied with an equaliser. The lively young Hall made some space for himself down the left flank and put a ball over the defence that found Freedman lurking just inside the area.

With the goalie several yards off his line, the Scotsman tried a lofted ball over his head, which rebounded off the inside of the right hand post and into the net for a goal.

Palace then had a quick spell of pressure on the Coventry goal in first half injury time, as Shipperley met another right sided Butterfield cross, heading the ball towards
the 'keeper's arms.

Half time then came and went without substitutions, and Palace started the second half with a bit more intent, as on 50 minutes from outside the area - Shaun Derry's free kick forced Shearer into making a diving save to his right. Leigertwood then went on a forceful run four minutes later deep into the opposition's half, passing several Coventry players before an outstretched boot robbed him of the ball.

Coventry replied with a scuffed shot wide a few minutes after, and then Shearer made another save, this time from a Butterfield 20 yard drive after Shaun Derry's free kick
lay off. Palace could then have added another in the 69th minute.

Derry raced clear of two trailing defenders down the middle, chasing a ball. As he reached the penalty area, Shearer came out and made himself big, blocking the attempted shot on target. As the ball immediately went down the other end of the pitch, it was then Speroni's turn to make a diving save from a shot.

As the game approached the 70th minute there was then a series of poor decisions from the referee that went in favour of the Sky Blues. In the 72nd minute, Sam Togwell got up for a free kick and headed over the bar, followed by a near chance three minutes after where Palace should have been awarded a penalty.

Danze sped away down the centre and laid the ball off to his right slightly, for Dougie Freedman, who skipped over a tackle on the edge of the area before putting a low centre
across the box. Shipperley and Danze collided slightly as they both went for the same ball, but Danze recovered to chase before being clattered right near the byeline by
Shearer. Bizarrely the referee seemed to indicate that it was more of a dive than a clear foul and nothing was given, which then resulted in a fair amount of niggling for the
remainder of the match. Suffo should have been booked shortly after for an elbow on Togwell which he got away with, whilst Soares suffered a booking for a mild obstruction as the official's inconsistancies set in.

Then on 83 minutes, Coventry were awarded a penalty of their own. Suffo was holding off Leigertwood on the right of the box, and as he started to go away from goal and out of the area, was felled by a trip. No complaints about that, but there should have been one at the other end just before that. The same player then stepped up to send the penalty past Speroni to make it 2-1.

The last few minutes finished with a header from Hudson over the Coventry goal, followed on the stroke of full time by a Danze effort, as he held off a defender to put a shot
just wide of the post.

Not quite as good a display as it could have been, considering the team that was out, but Palace were also not awarded a number of free kicks or decisions in the second half that they should have been, instead they all seemed to go the way of the home side. In fairness though Shaun Derry was lucky, as after suffering a first half booking he was warned a few times in the second half for challenges, without suffering any further punishment.

Player wise there were a few positives. Another good display from young Sam Togwell, and a reasonable debut from Danze who held off challenges and played some simple but effective short passes through the match. No doubt there is much to come from him.

Leigertwood also did reasonably well, and is showing an aptitude lately for wanting to come forward more with the ball to support the attack. All he needs to add now, is an effective pass or two to the end of his runs.

No mistakes from Speroni, who didn't have too many saves to make really, while Danny Butterfield put in a reasonable display but still looks short of match fitness yet, and was
tired when he came off after an hour's play.

Next up now is Southampton at Selhurst next week.


Palace Team: (4-4-2) Speroni, Butterfield, Leigertwood, Derry, Togwell, Hudson, R.Hall, Danze, Shipperley, Freedman, Soares

Subs: Grabban (for Hall '80), Cronin, Marshall, Fray (For Butterfield '65), Spence, Wiggins

Match Stats:
Palace Shots/Headers: 9 (6 on target)
Coventry Shots/Headers: 5 (2 on target)

Palace Corners: 5
Coventry Corners: 2

Palace Free Kicks: 7
Coventry Free Kicks: 15

Coventry Crosses: 4
Palace Crosses: 5 (4 from right/1 from left)
(Butterfield 3, Leigertwood 1, Danze 1)


Posted by alan