Crystal Palace - 2 (Svensson 34. Austin 45.)
Tranmere Rovers - 2 (G. Jones 82. Parkinson 90.)

This match could truly be described as two points lost, and surely must have given Steve Coppell food for thought. The match was all but won before two late strikes robbed us of the full complement of points, and very nearly cost us all three. Though the players could claim to be drained in the atrocious weather conditions, it must surely have been the same for both sides, and that Tranmere could press on so well at the end is a great credit to their team.

With very little action taking place it took until well after the half hour for Palace to strike. Jamie Fullarton started a good move that Fernando De Ornelas continued, his shot being blocked by Steve Yates. The rebound went only as far as Matthias Svensson who made no mistake in putting his shot wide of the despairing keeper. Shortly before half time Fernando was dragged back from the ball by Gareth Roberts. The free kick, taken by Simon Rodger, fell perfectly for Dean Austin to send in a wicked shot that flew into the back of the net and doubled our lead.

We really should have had a third before the whistle when another free kick taken by Simon saw Fernando hit the bar. A few inches lower and the game would surely have been over!

Tranmere's chances were very limited and the only time they beat Fraser they were thwarted by the defence.

The second half started off totally differently, and all the action seemed to be taking place at the wrong end of the pitch as far as the home faithful were concerned.

With less than ten minutes left, though it looked as if the visitors might score, the fans were still not too concerned as we had our two goal buffer. Then Gary Jones managed to pull a goal back, slipping the ball past Fraser in a goal mouth melee, and suddenly things looked a little more desperate.

Heading into injury time we were still one up, but by this time Tranmere had thrown everyone into attack. In circumstances like this, when we try such things we invariably concede another goal, but this time it worked for the attacking team, and Wayne Allison passed to substitute Andy Parkinson who drove the ball into the top of the net, giving Fraser no chance whatsoever.

As most Palace supporters say - perhaps next time!

Colin Pryce

Crystal Palace: Fraser Digby, Dean Austin, David Woozley, Hayden Mullins, Jamie Fullarton, Steve Thomson, Matthias Svensson, Andy Linighan, Simon Rodger, Fernando De Ornelas (Chris Sharpling 85), Terry Phelan.

Substitutes not used: Andrew Frampton, Matthew Gregg, Andrew Martin, James Hibburt.

Tranmere Rovers: Joe Murphy (John Achterberg 46), Wayne Allison, Dave Challinor, Clint Hill, Alan Mahon, Nicky Henry, Lee Jones (Jason Koumas 67), Gary Jones, Steve Yates, Gareth Roberts, Steve Grant (Andy Parkinson 44)

Substitutes not used: Andy Thompson, David Kelly.

Attendance: 18,645

Referee: Mr F Stretton (Nottingham).