Friendly: Crusaders 0 v Palace 2

Last updated : 26 July 2004 By Nik Taylor

Tommy Black struck his claim for a Premiership starting place next season with two first-half goals to win this friendly for Palace.

The double salvo sealed this, the first game of a two-match tour of Northern Ireland, and got the Eagles’ pre-season campaign off to a bright start.

And for all the red and blue supporters who made the trip, there was the chance to spot a few new faces.

Hungarian keeper Gabor Kiraly played the first half in goal as he continues his trial period with Palace, and was replaced at half-time to give new signing Julian Speroni a run-out. Both goalies had decent matches under relatively little pressure.

Also on show were defenders Mark Hudson and Emmerson Boyce, both of whom put in assured performances to protect the clean sheet.