A young Town reserve side fell to a 4-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening. Danny Haynes netted the Blues' goal with former Town striker Shefki Kuqi scoring an equaliser before half-time and the Eagles adding three more after the break.

Town's goal came in the 21st minute from a break after Kuqi had almost scored for Palace. Haynes burst forward one-on-one with keeper Darryl Flahavan and beat him.

Kuqi hit back on 38, heading in a John Oster cross at the far post. The Finnish international was forced off in the second half with a head injury after an aerial collision with Kurt Robinson.

Palace went in front two minutes after half-time when full-back Nathaniel Clyne struck a shot from the 18-yard line which beat Supple.

On 54 they increased their lead when James Dayton seized on a loose ball on the edge of the area and hit home.

Former Colchester man Neil Danns added a somewhat flattering fourth in injury time when he cut in and sent a left-foot shot past Supple.

Town battled gamely against a more experienced and physically stronger Palace side and the result was a bit harsh on Chris Kiwomya's men.

The Blues were a better side in the first half with Reggie Lambe impressive and defenders Paul Watson and Jack Ainsley, who went to his more usual striking role in the second half, and Kurt Robinson all doing well.

Town: Supple, Clemo, Ainsley, Watson, Robinson, Lambe (Hyam 82), Reason, Upson, Peters (Daniels 46), Murphy, Haynes. Subs: Ward, Dunbar, Hyam, Cawley, Daniels.

Photo: Action Images

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