January 28 2008

The Football League

Crystal Palace's 15-match unbeaten run came crashing to an end with a late 1-0 defeat at Leicester.

In a turgid match that looked destined for a goalless draw, Barry Hayles netted a fortuitous winning goal in the 89th minute.

There were few clear-cut chances right from the start as both teams struggled with an awful, boggy pitch which hardly made for an exciting encounter.

Leicester striker Steve Howard and Hayles had half chances for the home side, while Ben Watson almost scored direct from a corner but keeper Ben Alnwick fisted clear.

The second period was an improvement on the first and the first moment of quality in this physical, niggly affair came from the blue shirts of City.

Iain Hume was desperately unlucky not to score when his curling 25-yard free-kick hit the side-netting when half the stadium thought he had scored.

On 65 minutes, the Eagles were unlucky not to break the deadlock as Clinton Morrison reacted well from close range to get the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside.

As both sides played out the final moments for a draw, City got the rub of the green and a lucky winner with just over a minute to go.

Substitute Gabor Bori sent Matt Oakley down the right, and his low delivery across the six yard box bobbled off Hayles's shin and looped up into the net.

On the counter attack, DJ Campbell nearly got another when he blasted inches past the post and Palace drop one place to sixth in the table with this defeat.

Leicester: Alnwick, Stearman (N'Gotty 62), Kisnorbo, McAuley, Mattock, Hume (Campbell 76), Clemence, Oakley, Laczko (Bori 77), Howard, Hayles.

Not Used: Fryatt, Wesolowski.

Palace: Speroni, Halls, Hudson, Lawrence, Hill, Scannell (Kuqi 77), Watson, Derry (Moses 90), Soares, Morrison, Scowcroft.

Not Used: Fletcher, Butterfield, Hills.