Coventry City 2 - 0 Palace

Wed Nov 28 2001 - League

Palace carried on their awful run of form since Steve Bruce's departure, losing to Coventry City at Highfield Road.

Coventry dominated from the start and luckily for the Eagles, keeper Matt Clarke kept the score down with a string of fine saves.

The visitors would have been happy going in at the break with the score only 0-0, but could only hold out until the 62nd minute.

Laurent Delorge fired home from close range for the opener after Lee Mills headed back a David Thompson cross.

Palace had a couple of chances themselves as they improved in the second half, but found Coventry keeper Magnus Hedman also in good form.

In the 80th minute, Mills made sure of the points for Coventry when he scored from a goal-mouth scramble.

The Eagles would have moved up to third with a win, but remain in sixth position in the First Division.

Man of the Match: Matt Clarke - Kept the score down

Post match comments:

Steve Kember said: "I thought we were always in it. We had a couple of chances but didn't put them away and our goalkeeper made a couple of saves - but then so did theirs.

"Clarke played well because he has been struggling with his back for the last two or three games. In this match however he showed he is back to his best.

"The difference between the sides was that they put away their chances and we didn't."

David Hopkin and Clinton Morrison both got injured during the game.

Kember added: "We need more strength in depth - but with the present situation we will have to wait and see what happens.

"I don't think the behind-the-scenes happenings have affected the players. They are professionals and they have to go out and play."

Roland Nilsson praised his on loan striker Lee Mills. He said: "You can't get a better debut than that. We asked Portsmouth on Monday if we could take him on one month's loan.

"He signed at 10 o'clock this morning and was introduced to the players at teatime.

"When we asked about him we thought he was going to sign for Barnsley but we persuaded him to come here and I'm glad he chose us ahead of them."

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