December 21, (THEWILL) – Crystal Palace were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against rivals Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League on Thursday evening after the visitors netted a late equaliser through Danny Welbeck at Selhurst Park.
The host had taken a shock lead on the stroke of halftime when Jordan Ayew headed home, after an error from Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen. Palace looked set to hold on for a vital three points, but the Seagulls rallied in the closing stages and Welbeck rose highest to nod in an 82nd minute leveller.
The result marks the fifth consecutive top-flight meeting between the fierce rivals that have finished 1-1 at Palace’s home ground. Neither side created many clear-cut chances in a largely uneventful first half before Ayew pounced right on half time to put the Eagles ahead.
Brighton enjoyed the lion’s share of possession after the break and finally made it count when Welbeck beat Jack Butland to a cross in the air to earn the visitors a share of the spoils. Late chances fell to both teams but a winner proved elusive, as the points were shared.
The draw leaves Palace still searching for just their second home league victory this term. Brighton meanwhile stretch their unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions but may feel they should have taken maximum points from the contest.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
