Torquay United - 1 (Bedeau 3.)
Crystal Palace - 1 (Lombardo 34.)

Crystal Palace struggled in this match, making supporters uncertain of the competence of their side. Terry Venables' team watched Division 3's Torquay United take the lead just minutes into the match. It was striker Tony Bedeau who drove in a 12 yard shot, exposing the gaps in the Eagles' defence.

Torquay again took to the poor showing of the Palace defence with Bedeau and midfielder Kevin Herrera each missing two more chances. However, the Eagles settled up when Attilio Lombardo scored on the 34th minute after a Sasa Curcic corner.

In the second half, substitute Andy Linighan placed a header into the underside of the bar on the 58th minute, but the Eagles' goal was disallowed and the action continued.

Torquay picked up the momentum nearing the end of the match, testing goalkeeper Kevin Miller. Striker Scott Partridge chipped just wide on the 86th minute. Partridge drove past Linighan and saw Miller well beaten, but was unable to put the ball into the net.

The second leg at Selhurst Park could be reminiscent of last season's appearance in the Coca-Cola Cup with Palace ducking out in the opening round. The Eagles did not appear to be in this match at all and there were no solid ventures on the pitch. The result should be a wakeup call to the management with the defence having problems two matches running.

Jonathan Collura

Torquay: Gregg. Gurney. Herrera. Robinson. Thomas. Watson. Clayton. McGorry. Bedeau. Partridge. Hill.
Not Used: Hapgood. Jermyn. Newell. Tully. Veysey.
Booked: Herrera. Thomas. Hill. Partridge.

Palace: Miller. Austin. Smith. Curcic (Edworthy 67). Tuttle (Linighan 45). Hreidarsson. Lombardo. Warhurst. Dyer (Morrison 66). Jansen. Mullins.
Not Used: Burton. Digby.
Booked: Tuttle. Mullins. Hreidarsson. Morrison. Linighan.

Attendance: 3.042
Referee: Mr R. Styles (Waterlooville)