Crystal Palace Beat Manchester United to Make Carling Cup Semis
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December 1, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
Crystal Palace scored an extra-time winner to knock Manchester United out of this year’s Carling Cup with a 2-1 victory.
Crystal Palace stunned the Premier League champions with a 2-1 victory after extra-time and will face Cardiff City in an all-Championship League semi-final.
Darren Ambrose sparked a dull game into life in the second half with a special cup strike. The Palace midfielder received the ball just inside the United half and took a few touches before letting fly with a screamer of a shot from 35 yards out. Ben Amos, in the United goal, had no chance as Ambrose’s shot flew past him into the top left corner.
The lead did not last long, however, as United tied the game from the penalty spot four minutes later. After a nice passing move, Mame Biram Diouf squared the ball to Federico Macheda who, whilst turning towards the goal, was hauled down by Patrick McCarthy tugging on his shirt. The young Italian striker brushed himself off and wrong footed the goalkeeper to put United on level terms.
Both teams were unable to find a late winner, and the match headed into extra-time. Palace again stunned the hosts when they struck first in additional period. Ambrose turned provider as his free kick found Patrick Murray to head the Championship side ahead for the second time. Murray appeared to be in an offside position when the ball was sent over, adding to United’s week of frustration after a linesman decision cost them for the second time in a week.
United pushed for an equaliser but Macheda and Valencia could not covert chances as Palace held on for the impressive win.
Although Sir Alex Ferguson believes the goal should not have counted, he gave credit to the team from the division below, stating: “We are not getting any luck from linesmen just now but I can’t take that away from Crystal Palace. They fought hard to get the result and they deserve it.”
The United manager also apologised to the club’s supporters in interviews after the game, saying: “My apologies are to the fans because that was not a Manchester United performance … I am just very disappointed.”
The semi-final matchup between Cardiff and Palace will guarantee a Championship side make the final, and the winner will face off against Premier League high flyers Manchester City or Liverpool. Manchester City and Crystal Palace will be at home for the first leg of the ties.
By Matthew Giles
[Image courtesy of OliverN5]