Italian Attilio Lombardo celebrates another goal

CRYSTAL PALACE 4 BURY 2

Terry Venables watched his young Eagles brush Bury aside after an impressive fightback last night then vowed to continue his search for new talent.

Rangers centre half Craig Moore is expected to be the first new recruit when he joins the Eagles in £700,000 deal later this week. Palace are currently finalising personal terms for the 22-year-old Australian international centre half who would be the latest Aussie to link up with former national coach El Tel following the signings of Craig Foster and Nicky Rizzo.

With Paul Warhurst about to join the already departed defensive duo of Marc Edworthy and Hermann Hreidarsson, Venables is keen to secure the services of the highly rated youngster to bolster his backline. And a nervy first half showing demonstrated exactly why. Terry Venables said: "We created a lot of chances but were sloppy down the left hand side. Even so we did well to come back against a team that don't concede many goals, and I was pleased with the way we stuck at it."

Three goals in 17 second half minutes wiped out the first half advantage for the Shakers but Palace had to show tremendous character to turnaround the 2-1 deficit. Paul Warhurst cancelled out Nick Daws' ninth minute opener within four minutes after a rampaging run from his unaccustomed left back role. The 29-year-old, who is looking to move back up north, took advantage of a fortunate ricochet to blast home from 10 yards.

Ex-eagle Andy Preece restored the lead for Neil Warnock's men seconds before the interval. A carbon copy of the first goal saw Rob Matthews get away down the right to drill in a low cross which Preece gleefully converted from close range. But Palace had enjoyed the better of the chances and after they deservedly drew level through Bruce Dyer's header in the 48th minute, the home side took control. Further strikes from Clinton Morrison and a penalty won by sub Sasa Curcic and coolly converted by Attilio Lombardo sealed the win. Palace's new signing, Swede Mathias Svennson made a brief appearance towards the end but failed to make an impact. Terry Venables is calling for patience from Palace fans as he continues to scour the transfer market for big name players.

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