Blackpool 1 Crystal Palace 3

Last updated : 28 October 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Crystal Palace hit Blackpool's hopes of repeating their Carling Cup second round giant killing act over Birmingham City with a comfortable 3-1 win at Bloomfield Road.

Any real hopes for Steve McMahon’s men disappeared after just 14 minutes when their keeper Phil Barnes was sent off for a professional foul when he handled outside his box when not under any severe pressure.

It was Blackpool's fifth red card of the season and, although the dismissal earned referee Paul Danson the crowd's anger, the match official had little choice under the rules.

Gareth Evans - trying to win a contract as a defender at Blackpool - was then conscripted to take Barnes place.

After just nine minutes in his new role Evans was left totally exposed to a one on one with Palace striker Andy Johnson when Jon Douglas’ misplaced pass hit another Blackpool player on the leg and the rebound put Johnson completely clear.

Evans manager to get a hand to Johnson's shot but it packed too much power for the stand-in keeper.

Evans was then forced to produce a good save from Dougie Freedman's lob but had to thank the woodwork for saving him when Jamie Smith tried to chip him in the 40th minute.

Re-arranged Blackpool did have their chances with John Murphy and Scott Taylor bringing good saves from Thomas Myhre before the break.

It took another controversial refereeing decision to settle the game for Palace.

In the 61st minute Mr Danson decided that Simon Grayson had pushed Johnson in the box when the home crowd thought that Johnson had made an absolute meal of a fair challenge on the rain-lashed surface.

Freedman took the penalty and although Evans went the right way he could not keep it out.

Evans then produced a great save from Michael Hughes' deflected free kick before Johnson scored his second in the 85th minute.

There was no controversy about this effort with the striker cutting in from the wing at speed to lash home a magnificent 18 yarder.

Blackpool did manage a consolation effort with two minutes to go. Substitute Mike Sheron produced a lovely cross which John Murphy planted past Myhre with his head.

Crystal Palace Manager Steve Kember said afterwards: "It wasn't the prettiest of cup ties but we were always in command. I am not going to get drawn into the sending off of the goalkeeper or any of the refereeing decisions.

"We were not at our best but we deserved it." Blackpool Manager, Steve McMahon said: "The referee sent off my keeper and under the rules he has to do this.

"What you think about the rule is a different matter.

"In fairness to my players they put in an awful lot of effort and showed great spirit even though we were down to ten men."