Liverpool/Palace scoreless at break

Crystal Palace 0, Liverpool 0 (half-time)

Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was taken off on a stretcher with what appeared to be a serious leg injury after a sickening collision with Crystal Palace striker Dele Adebola in the first-half of this afternoon’s fourth round FA Cup tie at Selhurst Park.

Liverpool suffered a blow in the 23rd minute when a penetrating surge by big striker Adebola saw him power past Jamie Carragher and strike deep into the penalty area.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland threw himself bravely at Adebola’s feet to block the initial thrust and while Andy Johnson then saw his left-foot shot blocked on the goal-line the Liverpool keeper was unable to continue.

He received treatment on the ground for two minutes before being carried away on a stretcher with what appeared a serious leg injury. He was replaced by Jerzy Dudek and Palace took heart from Liverpool’s problems with a series of vibrant attacks.

Only a last-ditch block tackle from Traore halted the lively Julian Gray as midfielder Tommy Black was beginning to run the show for the First Division side, who were showing their Premiership opponents little respect.