Just one local match to report on …

Crystal Palace managed a 1 all draw with Norwich City at Selhurst Park yesterday afternoon. The visitors went ahead in the 39th minute with a goal from Johnson but Palace soon equalized with a penalty after Jedinak was brought down on 44 minutes by Leroy Fer. Jason Puncheon made no mistake with the spot kick. The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the second half and despite pressure from the Eagles late on, they failed to get the three points. Palace slip back into the relegation zone after fellow strugglers Fulham 2-1 victory against West Ham.

There was no other local action yesterday with the weather taking its toll on Crawley’s League One away match at Swindon. All the other Ryman League fixtures were postponed after pitch inspections.

Crystal Palace acquitted themselves well at Eastlands losing by just a single goal on Saturday in their premier league encounter with table toppers Manchester City. Other results ensured that the Eagles enter the new year outside the relegation zone — on goal difference.

Crawley Town enjoyed a 1 nil victory against bottom of league one Notts County at the Broadfield Stadium yesterday afternoon. Mark Connelly scored in the 66th minute for the reds.

In the local derby, Merstham beat Redhill 3 – 2 on Saturday, while Three Bridges were held at home by Walton Casuals in a 1 all draw.

In the only other local match to go ahead, Horley Town suffered yet another defeat, going down 5 -3 at Epsom and Ewell.

Local Sports News

Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis was jubilant as the Eagles climbed out of the relegation zone following a 1-0 victory  on Boxing Day afternoon at Aston Villa. An injury time goal from sub Dwight Gayle secured all three points which leave Palace in 17th place in the Premier League on goal difference. A tougher test on Saturday 28th December though – when they travel to Eastlands to play championship contenders Manchester City.

It was a miserable afternoon for Crawley Town as they succumbed 2 nil at home to MK Dons. On Sunday 29th December,  the Reds face Notts County at The Broadfield Staudium, where they’ll be without Billy Clarke, who was sent off late on in the match.

Many local matches were affected by the weather, which is also expected to prevent many games over the weekend. Stay tuned to Saturday Sport on Susy 103.4 every Saturday afternoon from 2pm for all the local sports news.

Local Football Teams in Action

As we head towards the Christmas and New Year fixtures, this weekend is key for Crystal Palace who must fancy their chances of 3 points against Newcastle at Selhurst Park in the Premier League tomorrow afternoon.

In league one, Crawley Town face a tough test at table toppers Leyton Orient while Redhill travel to Whitstable Town in the Ryman South. Merstham entertain Burgess Hill Town, while Three Bridges play Sittingbourne at home and Crawley Down Gatwick are away at Folkstone Invicta.

Finally, in the Combined Counties League, Horley play Cove and leaders South Park, who’ve applied for promotion to the Ryman League next season, are at Hanworth Villa.