A moment of magic couldn't inspire Crystal Palace Under-23s to come back today in a much worked-for draw with Bristol City as first-team forward Connor Wickham produced a stunning overhead kick to drive his side forward after a relentless assault looked set to yield little.
The game opened with Palace seemingly on top, and first-team defender Scott Dann launched a strong header directly at goal only to see visiting shot-stopper Alhaji Sesay save in equally strong fashion.
Bristol broke minutes later to the other end of the pitch and, after Oliver O'Dwyer brought down their advances, the Robins were awarded a free-kick just yards from the edge of the penalty box.