Crystal Palace - 2 (Jansen 50. Curcic 61.)
Bolton Wanderers - 2 (Holdsworth 33. Gunnlaugsson 90.)

A celebration turned to disappointment on a last minute goal from the Bolton Wanderers in the Nationwide Division 1 opener at Selhurst Park. It was Icelandic substitute Arnar Gunnlaugsson who put a damper on what appeared to be a win for new boss Terry Venables and the Premiership relegated Crystal Palace.

Venables was starting his second stint at Palace and had new hope for his club after Matt Jansen and Sasa Curcic combined within the first 15 minutes of the second half to gain the lead.

Bolton dominated the Eagles in the first half, highlighted with Dean Holdsworth's 33rd minute goal. However, Palace came roaring out of half-time an inspired side and set out to prove their relegation colleagues that their club had been well removed since their 2-5 loss in the Premiership.

The Palace defence appeared to be their weak spot, but a solid Kevin Miller in goal was a first half highlight despite giving up a goal. In the first 45, Miller stopped efforts from Mark Fish and Per Frandsen. It was Nathan Blake who set up the Holdsworth goal, sending the ex-Wimbledon forward down the left, put it past Dean Austin and inside the far post.

Colin Todd's side appeared to hold well in the pressure of the second half as the Eagles were content to hold onto a one goal lead, a tactic which was proven erroneous with Gunnlaugsson netting a shot just outside of the area.

On the other end, Palace star Jansen proved to his critics that he is worth whatever price is put on him, giving the supporters a great effort on the pitch. It was Bruce Dyer who made the best chance for the third goal of the afternoon for the Eagles when he angled a shot just past the post.

In the end, the hero was Gunnlaugsson who placed the ball square past Miller into the top of the net. However, Eagles supporters cannot be disappointed in taking a draw with Bolton, rather just disappointed in the circumstances which made it so.

Jonathan Collura

Palace: Miller. Austin. Smith (Edworthy 68). Curcic. Tuttle. Hreidarsson. Lombardo. Warhurst. Dyer. Jansen. Mullins.
Not Used: Linighan. Morrison.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen. Cox. Phillips. Todd. Bergsson. Fish. Jensen (Johansen 80). Frandsen. Blake. Holdsworth. Sellers (Gunnlaugsson 73).
Not Used: Whitlow.

Attendance: 19.029
Referee: Mr C.R. Wilkes (Gloucester)