Palace 1 - 2 Burnley

Sat Dec 1 2001 - League

Crystal Palace suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, losing 2-1 at the hands of league leaders Burnley at Selhurst Park.

New boss Trevor Francis officially takes over after the game and has a big job on his hands to stop the Eagles from sliding down the table. Defensive errors cost Palace and they were not helped by an appalling referee and assistants, but credit to Burnley as they out muscled the home side.

Ian Moore gave an early warning to the Palace defence when his shot was well saved by Matt Clarke, but the goalkeeper was at fault for Moore's opening goal in the 23rd minute.

Clarke poorly punched a Burnley corner into the path of Lee Briscoe in the box, who knocked it back in the danger area for Moore to head home unchallenged into an empty net.

Palace got back into the game through Clinton Morrison seven minutes before the break. A Simon Rodger corner was headed into the box by Aki Riihilahti to Dean Austin, who knocked it on to Morrison to fire home.

Riihilahti then had a 30-yard shot hit the bar and Morrison went close with a shot, but Burnley got the winning goal in the 63rd minute. A quick break caught the Palace defence napping and Moore scored in the bottom left hand corner.

Man of the Match: Hayden Mullins

Post match comments:

Trevor Francis said: "On the balance of play we were undeserved losers. I thought we merited something from the game.

"I'd like to give a big thank you to the supporters for a marvellous reception but it would have been nice not to lose.

"I spoke to the players prior to the game, but I made it clear I wouldn't interfere. I had an input prior to the game and at half-time because there is nothing wrong with encouraging the players. But the coaching staff picked the team."

"I have great admiration for Stan [Ternent], his teams are tough and uncompromising.

"Burnley did well last season, but the difference this time is they're playing with incredible self belief and things are going for them at the moment."

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