Crystal Palace 4 bt Crewe Alexandra 1

A superb first-half display by Crystal Palace helped bury the bitter memory of Steve Bruce's departure at Selhurst Park on Saturday, as the Eagles put a disappointing Crewe side to the sword.

A four-goal 20-minute spell at the end of the first half sealed the victory with Clinton Morrison, just back from World Cup play-off duty with Ireland, in outstanding form.

His goal and Palace's second was the best of the bunch. As Dean Austin played the ball into him, Morrison turned neatly on the edge of the box, before curling a wicked strike into the top right hand of the net for his 14th of the season.

The Eagles' opener had come via an own goal on 24 minutes from Crewe centre back Dave Walton. He diverted Dougie Freedman's low centre into his own net under pressure from Morrison.

And Morrison turned provider in the 34th minute when he beat two men in the penalty area before laying the ball off to Jovan Kirovski, who buried a pile-driver high into the roof of the net for 3-0.

Selhurst Park was jubilant, and the fans took the opportunity to let Steve Bruce know their views and sing Steve Kember's praises.

But with five minutes to the break, the defensive frailty which has undermined Palace's great start to the season reared its head again. The Palace defence went to sleep as a Kenny Lunt free kick from the right found an unmarked Dean Ashton, who calmly slotted home.

But rather than inspiring a Crewe fightback, the goal prompted more Palace attacks and the killer fourth goal.

Impressive Palace debutant Christian Edwards, a one-month loan signing from Nottingham Forest, flicked on a Hayden Mullins cross and Freedman bundled in at the far post for his 13th goal of the season. Palace keeper Matt Clarke picked up a knock and was replaced by Alex Kolinko for a half-hearted second half, which saw few chances for either side.

November 21, 2001 15:00