October 7 2004

Dougie Freedman

Dougie Freedman netted for the reserves in their 2-1 defeat to Coventry at Nuneaton Borough.

Palace fielded recent signing Anthony Danze, while Danny Butterfield returned from the hamstring injury which has kept him out all season.

The Eagles suffered an early blow when they went a goal down after just three minutes. Eddie Johnson, on loan from Manchester Utd, struck a fierce shot home from the edge of the box.

Towards the end of the first period, home striker Patrick Suffo fired wide before heading over Julian Speroni's cross-bar.

But right on the half-time whistle, the Eagles levelled the scores through Freedman. Ryan Hall's cross from the left found the Scot on the edge of the box and he chipped Coventry keeper Scott Shearer, and the ball went in off the post.

In the second half, Shearer saved a Shaun Derry free-kick and Butterfield long-range effort.

Cov went close with a couple of efforts then re-gained the lead from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute when Mikeal Leigertwood tripped Suffo in the area. Suffo converted the spot-kick.

Palace had a couple of chances near the end to snatch an equaliser - Mark Hudon headed over and Danze drove wide - but in the end lost only their second game of the season.

Palace: Speroni, Butterfield (Fray 65), Leigertwood, Derry, Togwell, Hudson, R Hall (Grabban 80), Danze, Shipperley, Freedman, Soares.

Subs not used: Cronin, Marshall, Fray, Spence, Wiggins.

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