By Matt Woosnam
Premier League new boys Crystal Palace ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Gillingham last night, thanks to goals from Dean Moxey, Stephen Dobbie and trialist Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.
The result follows the weekend's pre-season starter at Dagenham & Redbridge, where goals from Owen Garvan and Albanian triliaist Atdhe Nuhiu sealed a 2-1 win.
It was Palace who started brightest at the Priestfield stadium, with Dwight Gayle forcing a couple of smart saves from Gills keeper Stuart Nelson.
However, it did not take the Eagles long to find the net when Moxey latched onto a corner to strike firmly past Nelson from 30 yards.
Shortly afterwards, Gillingham had a golden chance to restore parity after Chris Whelpdale pulled the ball back for Bayo Akinfenwa, but the striker wasted the opportunity by blazing over the bar.
Palace then began to regain control of the match with Jose Campana particularly impressive alongside Mile Jedinak in midfield, but it remained 1-0 at half time.
Heads up: Atdhe Nuhiu was on target in the weekend over the Daggers Picture: Kent Messenger Group
Ian Holloway made 11 substitutions at half time and it showed as it was the home side who stormed out of the blocks and went close a number of times through Danny Kedwell in particular.
However, Palace doubled their lead on 67 minutes out of nowhere as Dobbie struck from distance into the bottom corner of the net.
Palace seized the momentum and shortly afterwards Dobbie was involved again, as his cross-field ball left former Palace defender Matt Fish in an awkward position and Owusu-Abeyie seized upon the Gillingham man’s mistake to slot home a tidy finish.
Still the away side were not finished as Yannick Bolasie struck a wonderful effort against the bar.
There were, however, to be no further goals and the Eagles continued their pre-season with a comfortable victory.
Next up is Saturday's trip to Crawley Town - tickets for which went on sale on Monday - for details, call Crawley Town on 01293 410 000, or click here to buy online.
Tickets are not available via the Crystal Palace website, or Selhurst Park.
Chasing down: Yannick Bolasie was one of 11 second half substitutes at Gillingham on Tuesday night Picture: Kent Messenger
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