Crystal Palace 2 Gillingham 2 Match Report

Wayne Routledge
By Jonathan Burgher
October 1 2002

In his latest match report, Jonathan Burgher reports on the Sunday afternoon clash between Crystal Palace and Gillingham.

Palace came from behind twice to earn a point at home to Gillingham, and it was 17-year old starlet Wayne Routledge who made the headlines again. His low drive from 17 yards hauled Palace level on 70 minutes, and his pace and enthusiasm constantly caused panic in the Gillingham defence.

In truth, this was a game that Palace dominated, yet it was the pace and direct approach of the Gills counter attacks that made them dangerous. They took the lead against the run of play in the 23rd minute when Guy Ipoua’s cut back found Rod Wallace. His shot was parried by on-loan keeper Nik Michopoulos and David Perpetuini forced home the rebound.

Palace picked up their game towards the end of the first half. Routledge was unlucky to see Chris Hope block his goalbound effort on the line, and Danny Butterfield’s long-range effort clipped the crossbar.

The Eagles started the second half as they finished the first, and got a deserved equalizer when Danny Granville headed in Routledge’s cross following good work from Dele Adebola.

A period of Palace pressure followed but the Gills counter attacks always troubled Tony Popovic and Darren Powell in the heart of the Eagles’ defence. They regained the lead twenty minutes from time when Hayden Mullins headed into his own net under pressure from Ipoua. Adrian Pennock’s deep cross was headed across goal by Wallace, and Ipoua’s presence was enough to force Mullins’ error.

Yet Palace hit back immediately through Routledge, and had further chances to win the game. Tony Popovic’s far post header from Danny Butterfield’s cross struck the crossbar, and Tommy Black chose to shoot at the nearpost.