April 22 2006

Clinton Morrison

Andy Johnson and Clinton Morrison lead Palace to victory over Southampton.

Palace ended their home league campaign with a satisfying 2-1 win over Southampton. While the Saints wasted a hatful of chances, clinical finishing by AJ and Clinton in the second half brought Palace the points, writes Peter Gillman.

Southampton opened far the stronger, creating four good openings in the first five minutes. But it was Palace who missed the best chance of the first half after a Poppo header from a corner was saved by Kevin Miller. The ball rebounded to Dougie who shot against Miller’s prostrate body.

Ricardo Fuller carved out further openings with Surman the worst culprit in falling to score. On 39 minutes AJ was shouldered down in the box by Southampton defender Brennan but ref Beeby predictably waved play on.

Southampton continued to press in the second half with Surman and Potter missing yet more chances from good positions. Meanwhile Dougie was denied a penalty when he stumbled as he tried to sidestep Miller, but this was the weaker of the two claims.

AJ finally broke the deadlock on 63 minutes. He made space in the box to pass to Reich whose shot cannoned off a Southampton defender. AJ was quickest to the rebound and fired past Miller to his left.

Southampton levelled on 69 minutes after ref Beeby gave a harsh free-kick against Hall on the left. Potter’s cross was glanced home by an unmarked Fuller.

The draw was looming when Clinton Morrison picked up a precise through ball from Popovic on 80 minutes and angled his shot across Miller into the far corner.

As the clock ran down Palace fans chanted “Miller, Miller what’s the score?” It is not possible to report some of the other anti-Miller chants on what is after all a family website.

Crystal Palace 2

Johnson 63, Morrison 81

Southampton 1

Fuller 69

Palace: Kiraly (man of the match); Butterfield, Hall, Popovic, Borrowdale; McAnuff, Watson (Soares 78), Hughes, Reich (Leigertwood 65); Johnson, Freedman (Morrison 73).

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