November 25 2003

Andy Johnson

Caretaker boss Kit Symons won his first game in charge of Crystal Palace with a good 1-0 win at Stoke City.

Andy Johnson headed home Curtis Fleming's cross in the 27th minute to give Palace their first away league win since August as Stoke lost at home for only the second time this season.

Stoke's John Eustace forced Thomas Myhre into a fine save from 25 yards after 22 minutes after Tony Popovic had made two vital blocks in the penalty area to deny Frazer Richardson and Eustace.

Johnson put Palace ahead five minutes later for his 10th goal of the season thanks to Fleming's pinpoint cross.

Dougie Freedman fired inches wide for the Eagles from Johnson's flick, while down the other end Darel Russell missed the target for the hosts.

Ed de Goey had to be alert to save from Johnson with his feet before Stoke had two good chances to equalise. Ade Akinbiyi nodded a corner over the bar and Wayne Thomas voleyed wide.

Palace could have increased their lead as de Goey thwarted Johnson again, then Rob Edwards and Shaun Derry skied over the bar.

There was even time for Carl Asaba and substitute Commons to snatch a leveller for the Potters but Myhre made good stops as the Eagles held out for a vital victory.

Stoke: De Goey, Thomas, Hill, M Hall, Russell, Halls, Richardson, Eustace, Hoekstra, Akinbiyi, Noel-Williams.

Subs: Cutler, Asaba, Clarke, Iweleumo, Commons.

Palace: Myhre, Fleming, Borrowdale, Popovic, Edwards, Butterfield, Derry, Hughes, Black, Johnson, Freedman.

Subs: Symons, Routledge, Berthlin, Granville, Watson.

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