Palace 4 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday

Saturday November 4 2000 - League

Palace were flying high again after last Wednesday's magnificant 3-0 win over Leicester in the Worthington Cup. This time it was Sheffield Wednesday who suffered a defeat against The Eagles.

The South London club took the lead after only three minutes when Fan Zhiyi flicked on a Tommy Black corner, and Dougie Freedman was there to finish.

After 33 minutes Palace doubled the lead when Clinton Morrison scrambled in another corner.

Not long after The Eagles were 3-0 up. A Simon Rodger corner found its way into the 6 yard box and Jamie Pollock blasted the ball in from close range. A carbon copy of the second goal.

Pollock's second and Palace's fourth arrived two minutes after the restart. The midfielder struck a half volley past Pressman from just outside the box.

Gerald Sibon scored Wednesday's consolation goal from the penalty spot seven minutes from time after Fan Zhiyi had brought down Efan Ekoku in the area.

Post match comments

"The lads have played very well this week, I've played all 21 players and they've all contributed well," said Alan Smith.

"We've played as well in other matches, except the ball went in. I've now got players who I can trust and a nice, tight unit to take forward into the future."

Paul Jewell, Sheffield Weds manager said: "I'm disappointed, more at the fact of how the goals were conceded. We've been struggling all season and we've really missed Ashley Westwood.

"Crystal Palace were physically stronger than us and we didn't battle or compete for the ball, Palace were by far the better team.

"If you don't start the game well, you'll never pick it up.

"We brought on Tony Crane in the second half and he gave us a bit more physical presence, but it wasn't enough.

"The fans were great and deserved a lot more than what they got."

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