Fulham - 1 (Horsfield 17.)
Crystal Palace - 0

Having sacked manager Paul Bracewell during the week Karl Heinz Riedle was appointed player/manager, with Roy Evans (ex-Liverpool) being appointed coaching assistant for the rest of the season. Former French World Cup star Jean Tigana has been widely tipped to take over the post, but one assumes not until the summer.

Despite their managerial woes Fulham came out for this match looking by far the stronger side, and it was obvious fairly early on that we were going to have trouble holding them. Their main danger man appeared to be Eddie Lewis, their recent signing from America's San Jose Earthquakes, who often started moves, and was on hand to finish them off; just his direction was missing. Had he been more accurate the match would have been well over before the half time whistle was blown.

As it was, the first 15 minutes passed without any great incident, but the game was not to remain scoreless much longer. Lewis was again in the play, passing the ball deftly to Steve Finnan who managed to get the ball to Geoff Horsfield. He drew Matthew Gregg out of his goal, and calmly fired the ball into the top of the net to open the proceedings.

As the half wore on Fulham started to miss a few passes here and there, and Palace were quick to capitalise on any opportunities given. Unfortunately none of these chances ever looked like resulting in a goal, and the teams went to the break with Fulham clinging to their 1-0 lead.

As usual, the team that was behind at the break came out fighting. In the space of only a few minutes Mikael Forssell had three great opportunities to score. The first he contrived to completely miss the ball, the second Maik Taylor tipped around the post and the last went wide of the mark. It was Taylor who was keeping Fulham in the match, and no matter what pressure was brought to bear he seemed equal to the task.

Much as Palace did in the first half, Fulham looked dangerous on the break in the second period of play, but further goals were certainly not on the menu.

Palace will now look forward to the visit of Stockport County next week, and then the trip to Walsall, to try and get the few points that should make the season safe once and for all.

Colin Pryce

Fulham: Maik Taylor, Steve Finnan, Andy Melville, Chris Coleman, Simon Morgan (Wayne Collins 70), Bjarne Goldbaek, Terry Phelan, Steve Hayward, Eddie Lewis, Geoff Horsfield (Sean Davis 87), Paul Peschisolido (Barry Hayles 70).

Substitutes not used: Marcus Hahnemann, Kit Symons.

Crystal Palace: Matthew Gregg, Dean Austin, Hayden Mullins, Fan Zhiyi, Craig Foster, Ashley Cole, Andy Linighan, Wayne Carlisle (Steven Hunt 80), Clinton Morrison, Mikael Forssell, Leon McKenzie.

Substitutes not used: Lee Kendall, David Woozley, James Hibburt, Jamie Smith.

Attendance: 16,356

Referee: Mr P Richards (Preston).