Crystal Palace 1 - 1 Charlton Athletic

Palace played Premiership opposition for the second time in a week, and came away from this one with a creditable draw. Palace were indebted to Matt Clarke who made several outstanding saves in the second half. Don't let that make you think that Palace owed everything to the big 'keeper. Some of the passing was excellent and the movement of Andy Johnson and Dougie Freedman was a joy to behold. Believe me when I tell you that Palace are going to cause a lot of teams trouble this season. Johnson has frightening pace, and if he can stay injury and suspension free, he will be a bargain. His work rate tonight was outstanding and he fully deserved the standing ovation given to him when he was substituted after 72 minutes. Palace took a first half lead when Danny Granville, who enjoyed his best game in a Palace shirt, sent over a left footed free kick from the corner of the Charlton penalty area, and Dougie Freedman rose to send a glancing header into the far corner. Palace continued to play some neat, attractive football, often out-passing the visitors and could have increased the lead but for some good defending. Charlton made several changes in the second period and their fresh legs seemed to put Palace off their stride. The visitors equalised when former Palace player Matt Svensson was left completely unmarked from Claus Jensen's right wing corner, and volleyed home from close range. From this point Charlton looked the more likely, but Clarke produced some magnificent saves to deny the premiership side. Palace did have their chances as well, but a draw was, in the end, a fair result.

Palace: Clarke (9), Fleming(7), Granville (8), Butterfield (8), Austin (7) (Frampton 46 (6)), Popovic (7), Mullins (7) (Thomson 67 (6)), Johnson (8) (Black 72 (6)), Freedman (7) (Adebola 46 (7)), Derry (8), Riihilahti (6).
Subs not used: Kolinko, Routledge.