Palace's failure to turn a goal lead into three points at Edgley Park on Saturday was tempered by the return of Neil Shipperley, writes Owen Phillips.

In his first outing this season, Shipperley gave Palace the target man option which the likes of Dyer and Jansen are unable to offer.

And it was Ships who gave Palace the lead, turning in Attilio Lombardo's cross in the first half. The Eagles couldn't manage to retain their lead as Gary Megson's men fought back after the break.

But Terry Venables will be cheered by the return of Shipperley, an established first division and Premiership player, as he looks to build on his team's unspectacular start.

The forward said: "It's been a long three weeks but it is great to be back .

"We looked solid at the back strong in midfield and dangerous up front but they put us under tremendous pressure in the second half."

On Tuesday the Eagles spluttered past a determined Torquay outfit in the first round of the Worthington Cup. An extra time winner from Hermann Hreidarsson spared Terry Venables' blushes and ensured a testing two legged second round clash with Bury.

Palace now face one of the first Division's form teams in the second round of the Worthington Cup.

Meanwhile international call-ups again mean Palace are without a fixture this weekend with their next match away to Crewe on Tuesday.

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