December 26 2002

Julian Gray

A Julian Gray equalising goal helped Palace hold league leaders Portsmouth to a 1-1 draw at Fratton Park.

The former Arsenal winger continued his fine scoring form this season when he struck on the half-hour mark after Paul Merson had put the home side ahead after 27 minutes.

It was Gray who had the Eagles' first shot on goal after nine minutes, but Pompey keeper Shaka Hislop was equal to it.

Eight minutes later, Palace had a let-off as Svetoslav Todorov hit the crossbar from close-range from a corner. Then Merson scored the opening goal as he got on the end of Matthew Taylor's cross for his seventh goal of the season.

Gray levelled four minutes after, putting away Danny Butterfield's header into the box.

Approaching half-time, Tommy Black had an effort cleared by Pompey defender Hayden Foxe while Hayden Mullins steered his shot wide of the goal.

Harry Redknapp brought on two subs at half-time but it was Gray who was the threat again, forcing Hislop into another save just past the hour mark.

Ade Akinbiyi made his long-awaited return from injury for his first match of the season, replacing the ineffective Black before sub Gary O'Neil unleashed a 25-yard shot which came back off the crossbar.

Nigel Quashie and former Palace loanee Jason Crowe had chances for Pompey, while Akinbiyi had two efforts himself, which Hislop saved including a fine turn around his post.

Starting 11s:

Portsmouth: Hislop, Crowe, Taylor, Primus, De Zeeuw, Foxe, Quashie, Merson, Burton, Todorov, Diabate.

Subs: Kawaguchi, Harper, O'Neil, Burchill, Pericard.

Crystal Palace: Kolinko, Butterfield, Gray, Powell, Symons, Popovic, Derry, Riihilahti, Mullins, Black, Adebola.

Subs: Michopoulos, Williams, Akinbiyi, Routledge, Borrowdale.

Referee: L. Cable (Surrey)

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