Palace Res 1 Arsenal Res 1

Last updated : 14 December 2004 By Nik Taylor

Tom Soares notched the equalising goal as the Palace reserves mirrored the first team’s November display against Arsenal.

But the night was a wretched one for out-of-favour Tommy Black, who broke his leg early in the first half.

The Gunners put out a young side, including many of the players seen in Carling Cup action for Wenger’s side this season. Palace, on the other hand, fielded a team packed with fringe first-team players.

Gonzalo Sorondo made a return to the field following injury, making up a defence that also included Mark Hudson, Danny Butterfield and Mikele Leigertwood. That back four wouldn’t look out of place in our first team!

However, they were cut to ribbons after only three minutes of this match when Stephen O’Donnell put the North London side in front with a calm finish.

And just ten minutes later, Black was forced to leave the pitch. It was later confirmed he had suffered a fracture to the right right fibula, an injury that will see the transfer-seeking former Gunner out of action for at least two months.

Once play resumed Palace regrouped and the equaliser didn’t take long to arrive, with Tom Soares heading the Eagles back level after 26 minutes. But although Palace dominated much of the rest of the game, the score remained 1-1.

The reserves are now fifth in the table, though with games in hand on those above.

Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, Hudson, Sorondo (Togwell ‘57), Leigertwood, Lakis (Danze ‘57), Soares, Derry, Black (Kaviedes ‘13), Andrews, Torghelle.