March 21 2009

Julian Speroni kept a clean sheet

Crystal Palace played out a stalemate against promotion-chasing Reading who went down to 10 men.

Liam Rosenior was sent off in the 71st minute after picking up a second yellow card for bringing down Victor Moses but Palace failed to take advantage and claim a deserved win.

The first glimpse of an opportunity fell to Royals striker Dave Kitson who headed Marek Matejovsky's corner off target.

Then young Eagles winger Moses centred for on-loan striker Anthony Stokes whose header back across goal was collected by Marcus Hahnemann.

In the first controversial moment of the game, John Oster appeared to be tugged back by Chris Armstrong as he bore down on goal but referee Andy D'Urso surprisingly awarded the free-kick against the Palace player.

Hahnemann made a good save to keep out Stokes in the 21st minute after Reading defender Michael Duberry failed to clear Shefki Kuqi's cross.

Palace were given a let-off when Jose Fonte caught Dave Kitson in the area as he attempted to clear the ball away.

The home side looked more likely to score as Shaun Derry hit a shot that diverted wide of the goal and 17-year-old right-back Nathaniel Clyne forced Hahnemann into a save.

In the second period, Moses fired in a low shot that Hahnemann blocked well, then Kitson attempted a curling strike that flew just past the post.

Stokes blasted a free-kick over before Rosenior saw a second yellow then a red card four fouling Moses on the edge of the box.

Palace pushed forward as Kuqi nodded over and Moses could have done better with a volley but the Eagles were unable to make the extra man count.

Palace: Speroni, Clyne, Lawrence, Jose Fonte, Hill,Moses, Derry, Danns, Oster (Rui Fonte 88), Kuqi,Stokes (Ifill 81).

Not Used: Carle, Hills, Ertl.

Reading: Hahnemann, Rosenior, Bikey, Duberry, Armstrong, Doyle,Gunnarsson (Cisse 50), Matejovsky (Long 63), Harper,Kebe (Stephen Hunt 18), Kitson.

Not Used: Federici, Little.

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