Palace 4 - 0 Wimbledon

Sat Oct 13 2001 - League

Crystal Palace won their fifth consecutive league game beating Wimbledon by four goals to nil at Selhurst Park today.

Goals were scored by Clinton Morrison, Jovan Kirovski, Aki Riihilahti and an own goal by Dons' defender Wayne Brown.

Despite some early pressure from Wimbledon with a chance for former Palace player Neil Shipperley on 19 minutes, Palace took the lead after 32 minutes.

Jovan Kirovski set up Clinton Morrison who scored his 10th goal of the season with a left foot shot into the far corner.

Nine minutes later, the Eagles doubled their lead when Kirovski scored from a Dougie Freedman right-wing cross.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, the Dons had a chance to get back into the game, but Michael Hughes found Palace goalkeeper Matt Clarke in his path.

On 78 minutes, the Palace faithful saw their new hero Riihilahti fire a 25-yard cracker past Wimbledon keeper Kelvin Davies.

The last goal came from a Wimbledon player. Six minutes from time it was Dons' defender Wayne Brown who headed a Kirovski cross into his own net sealing Palace's 4-0 win.

Man of the Match: Kirovski - scored one goal and set up the other three.

Chant of the Match: There's only one team at Selhurst.

Post match comments:

Eagles boss Steve Bruce was delighted with his side's fifth consecutive league win and singled out Kirovski for special praise.

The victorious manager said: "Long may it continue. We know how fickle football is, but we've got a real cutting edge and we're playing with confidence.

"Morrison and Freedman have linked well all season for me and are terrific together up front.

"We looked well equipped in all areas but I'm still looking to strengthen my squad."

Kirovski was superb, scoring one goal and set up the other three.

Bruce added: "Kirovski is a terrific player, and a massive addition to the squad. If there is a better free transfer around I'm yet to see him.

"He has plenty of ability, he is an excellent player and he holds the ball up well.

"I knew him as a kid at Manchester United where he played with the likes of David Beckham, and he was the outstanding player.

"But he couldn't get a work permit and drifted into Germany and then Portugal.

"He is a wonderful talent and he has been at big clubs, but only on the fringes. He has now joined us and shown me his commitment by working hard. I will certainly play him week in, week out."

Dons boss Terry Burton was clearly disappointed with his side's performance.

He said: "I've got to take it on the chin. Goals change games and if Shipperley's chance had gone in it would have been a different matter, but they've gone in 2-0 up at the break and we've had to chase the game.

"All credit to them for some great finishing. Of course we produced one of our own in the wrong end, which was disappointing.

"I felt they weren't creating dangerous chances until the first goal, which came from nowhere.

"We've got a strong squad but we've got several out injured and things would have been different if they were here."

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