Palace 0 - 2 Preston North End

Saturday March 3 2001 - League

Another disappointing result Palace slumped to their third defeat in a row.

Palace started well, hitting the post early in the match but after that Preston dominated long periods of the game.

The visitors took the lead after only eight minutes through former Manchester United striker David Healy. He smashed the ball past Alex Kolinko from 15 yards.

Preston's second came 15 minutes later from the penalty spot. Mark Rankine was brought down by Steven Thomson inside the area and Graham Alexander made no mistake from the spot.

The Lilywhites could have made it 3-0 on the hour but Jon Macken hit the upright from six yards.

The Eagles' best effort was from Clinton Morrison on 74 minutes, but Preston goalkeeper Tepi Moilanen showed safe hands.

Tommy Black and again Morrison had chances, but both were wasted. Crystal Palace dropped to 17th place after their third defeat in a row.

Post-match comments

Alan Smith can prepare himself for a relegation battle after the disappoiting defeat against Preston.

The Palace boss said: "All credit to Preston as they scored within their first attack. Preston are one of those teams our players seem to underestimate, so I've no complaints with the result.

"We have 12 games left and all I want is the lads to roll up their sleeves and work hard together as a unit."

Preston boss David Moyes was happy with his side's performance.

"It's a good win for us, to come to Crystal Palace and win is great, as Palace are a good side," he said. "Credit to our defenders as they coped really well."

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