Brighton 0 Crystal Palace 0

Last updated : 25 March 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Brighton eased back out of the relegation zone on goal difference, but they should have taken all three points against arch-rivals Crystal Palace.

They could not find a way through, despite Palace having defender Danny Granville sent off midway through the second half.

The former Chelsea and Manchester City player had already been booked for a first-half foul on Gary Hart when he brought down the same player close to the corner flag.

Referee Paul Durkin consulted his linesman before dismissing Granville for a second bookable offence.

Brighton dominated throughout and they continued to pour forward once Granville had received his marching orders.

Hart should have secured a fifth successive home victory for Steve Coppell's side against the manager's old club, but he volleyed over from eight yards in the dying stages.

Brighton also went close on a number of occasions in the opening period.

Hart and Richard Carpenter had shots saved by Alex Kolinko and Graham Barrett chipped against the upright.

Not much was seen of Palace as an attacking force, although Brighton's veteran keeper Dave Beasant had to push over a first-half shot by Steve Thomson.

Coppell said after the game: "We had some good opportunities, but I was really pleased with the way we performed in terms of chances created and with the way we played, which is important.

"We deserved to get three points, but that's the way it goes.

"It takes us up the division a little more and with six games to go there is all to play for.

"It is important to be out of the bottom three at this stage. Goal difference could be a crucial factor and we have the edge at the moment." Palace manager Trevor Francis, said: "I have to pay my compliments to the home side. They played very well. We knew how tough it was going to be and we made it tougher for ourselves with the sending off.

"It seemed an innocuous sort of challenge to me by Danny. I spoke to Paul Durkin afterwards and he said it was a tackle from behind.

"He is one of the top refs, so if he sees it that way I have to accept it."