Murray ends drought to get Palace a point (From Croydon Guardian)

Murray ends drought to earn Crystal Palace a point at Reading

7:58pm Saturday 21st April 2012 in Eagles News By Graham Moody, Sports Reporter

Glenn Murray ended his long goal drought as Crystal Palace secured a credible 2-2 draw at Reading - who were crowned Championship champions.

The striker, signed from Brighton last summer, had not scored in 19 games since netting against Nottingham Forest in December but smashed in a volley in the second half to earn Palace a share of the spoils.

It was a good outcome for the Eagles considering they lost Nathaniel Clyne to injury in the warm up and Julian Speroni and Paul McShane to injury in the first half.

They took the lead through Wilfried Zaha when he converted Dean Moxey's cross to end his personal goal drought of 10 games.

But Reading equalised soon after through Kaspar Gorkss before being reduced to 10 men when Jason Roberts elbowed Jonathan Parr and was shown a straight red.

Adam le Fondre put Reading ahead after the break before Murray levelled.

Despite not winning, Southampton's defeat to Middlesbrough in the late kick off confirmed Reading as champions.

Palace, who have not won in eight games, face Cardiff City at home in their final game of the season next Saturday with the Bluebirds, who knocked the Eagles out of the Carling Cup semi-finals on penalties, needing a point to be sure of a play-off place.