Millwall 1 Crystal Palace 1

Last updated : 18 February 2006 By Footymad Previewer
Ben May's strike one minute from full-time earned Millwall a point against play-off hopefuls Crystal Palace.

The striker's seventh goal of the season cancelled out Ben Watson's earlier strike just when Palace thought they had taken all three points.

It was a sucker punch for Palace who enjoyed the better chances, with Millwall scoring with their only effort on target.

The goal moves Millwall further away from the foot of the Championship after leapfrogging Brighton, keeping their hopes of beating the drop alive.

It was the visitors who started the brighter and only a good save by Millwall keeper Andy Marshall in only the second denied them taking the lead.

Dougie Freedman played a neat one-two with Clinton Morrison but his shot was blocked by Marshall who got down well at the striker's feet.

After that it was the home team who looked to go in front with striker Berry Powel having two golden chances.

The Dutchman first ran on to Phil Ifil's pass but was unable to find the vital touch. He then struck the sidenetting on eight minutes after he has beaten Emmerson Boyce for pace.

Former Millwall defender Darren Ward then very nearly let in Powel when he played a soft header back to goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly. But the Hungary goalkeeper was quick off his line to clear the danger.

Palace had to wait until the 26th minute to come close to breaking the deadlock when Michael Hughes' curling free-kick sailed narrowly wide.

That was as best as it got in the first half as the game deteriorated with both sides guilty of not showing any glimpses of quality.

After the restart Palace had two penalty appeals turned down by referee Lee Mason. First Jobi McAnuff felt he was bundled over in the box before Morrison also felt hard done by in the 56th minute.

Watson then gave Palace the lead with only his fourth professional goal, three have now come against the Lions.

The ginger-haired midfielder was fed by Hughes and poked the ball past Marshall from 12 yards with the toe of his boot.

A Palace clung on they could have been forgiven for thinking they had all the points in the bag.

But all their hard work was undone in the dying minutes when May pounced to break the visitors' hearts.

The striker stabbed the ball home in a crowded penalty area after Matt Lawrence has supplied the cross from the right wing.