October 20 2007

Tom Soares

Neil Warnock's first game in charge at Crystal Palace ended in a 1-1 draw at Blackpool.

Although Palace had Tom Soares sent off in the 87th minute, the London side will be happy with an away point against a Blackpool side who are unbeaten at home.

Palace began the match well as Dougie Freedman fired over inside the first minute, then Leon Cort nodded Ben Watson's corner off target before Watson tried his luck from range.

Blackpool hit back with chances of their own with Shaun Barker heading over the bar and Julian Speroni was alert to hold Scott Vernon's 20-yard strike.

At the start of the second period, the home side went in search of a goal with Vernon going close with a header and Wes Hoolahan having a 20-yard effort wide of the post.

But it was Palace who went in front in the 58th minute when Soares raced onto the end of James Scowcroft's knockdown from a Danny Butterfield cross and blasted home.

The lead only last 10 minutes before the Tangerines equalised as Hoolahan's free-kick was charged down by the Palace wall and Dave Fox popped up to score from six yards.

Home keeper Paul Rachubka saved Mark Hudson's goalbound shot but Blackpool started to pile on the pressure in search of all three points.

Keigan Parker's 25-yard drive went inches wide, while Palace twice had to clear off the line from Andy Welsh and Parker.

Three minutes from time, the Eagles went doen to 10 men when Soares was shown the red card for a violent challenge.

In the last minute, Hoolahan had a great chance to score for Blackpool with a driving effort. And seconds later, sub Lawrence could have won it for Palace but his shot was beat out by Rachubka.