Crystal Palace's season of woe continued when they were sunk by two subs in their Nationwide Division One match at Birmingham City on Saturday, writes Gordon Law.

The Eagles rode their luck in a scrappy first half when the Blues hit the woodwork twice and missed a 43rd minute penalty - saved by Latvian keeper Alex Kolinko.

After the interval, Palace grew in confidence and Paul Kitson, on loan from West Ham, had two chances to open his account but blasted high and wide.

Then, after missing a few chances himself, Clinton Morrison put the Eagles in front in the 66th minute. A weak defensive header fell for Jamie Pollock, and he fed the ball to Morrison to slot past Ian Bennett in goal.

Birmingham manager Trevor Francis then made his inspired substitutions, Mark Burchill and Dele Adebola replaced Geoff Horsfield and Andy Johnson.

The equaliser came in the 77th minute as Martin Grainger's low shot beat Kolinko and Burchill was on hand to tap in from six yards. And with just four minutes to go, Adebola's flashing header in off the underside of the bar, made it 2-1.

Palace boss Alan Smith said: "This game sums up our season. We could, and should, have won this game.

"I have been to Spain with the team for the last four days and I've cut some of the dead wood out of the side. I've got rid of six players and I think we will be okay in the future if we play like we did against Birmingham."

The Eagles make the short trip to Craven Cottage tonight (Wednesday) to play league leaders Fulham and host Portsmouth at Selhurst Park on Saturday. Kick-off 3pm.