Palace 1 - 1 Nottm Forest

Thu Dec 20 2001 - League

In a scrappy, game played in freezing conditions, Crystal Palace were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Nottingham Forest.

Forest got off to a great start by opening the scoring in just the second minute through Stern John.

Nicky Summerbee skinned Craig Harrison on the left and his far post cross was heaed home by John.

Palace got back into the game and Trevor Benjamin, making his loan debut from Leicester, along with Clinton Morrison had chances blocked.

Morrison got the deserved equaliser in the 37th minute. Jamie Smith's cross to the far post was headed back across the goal by Benjamin for Morrison to finish from close range.

The Eagles should have got an equaliser when former Forest man Dougie Freedman dribbled into the box and saw his low shot saved by the keeper and the ball was eventually charged down and cleared.

Man of the Match: Kit Symons - solid as ever

Chant of the Match: "Simon's got a slapper!" - When he appeared on the big screen sitting in the stand with a blonde

Post match comments:

Trevor Francis said: "We had the worst possible start. A team like Nottingham Forest, who have not had a good spell lately, like to pass the ball and the pitch made it difficult.

"We became disjointed and it was down to two factors; one being injuries - Freedman had to come off with a groin strain - and two, we had to make tactical changes.

"What should have been a good game between two good teams turned into a struggle. Too many players were finding it difficult to keep their footing. They were losing their trust in the pitch as it got colder.

"Our next game is in six days and it's looking doubtful that Freedman or Jamie Smith will play as they are both carrying injuries - but we will have to wait and see."

Forest boss Paul Hart said: "Palace were difficult to play against. It was difficult to pass the ball.

"I'm disappointed that we didn't take all the points because we came out in the second half and defended well, we counter-attacked but the Palace keeper made a couple of good stops.

"We have a very young side - even our experienced players are still young and they are still learning."

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