Crystal Palarse and Preston will fight out a replay next week after drawing 1-1 on Saturday.ANDY JOHNSON stayed on his feet to Palarse ahead on eight minutes. Johnson capitalised on a mistake by Youl Mawene and smashed the ball past ex Eagle Carlo Nash from 12 yards.
Eagles keeper Gabor Kiraly had earlier saved from Lewis Neal but could do nothing to stop BRIAN O'NEIL'S 27th minute header from a cross by Graham Alexander. Preston striker David Hibbert headed wide from three yards late on. It was a glorious chance to win the tie - and the third that had come the striker's way after the break.
Preston had gone into the match without David Nugent (reportedly set to sign for Everton before Tuesday), Paul McKenna (because he was to busy hyponotising), Matt Hill, Simon Whaley and new signings Brian Stock and Brett Ormerod.
Mikele Leigertwood almost scored for Palarse in the first half but his weak header was easily claimed by Nash. Johnson had the ball in the back of the net for Palarse for a second time after the break, but the effort was ruled out for offside, while Clinton Morrison fired over the crossbar.
Iain Dowie said after: "The last thing we need right now is a replay. We wanted it done and dusted in 90 minutes. We now have a ridiculous number of games in a short space of time, but we've got to get on with it."
Crystal Palace: Kiraly, Fitz Hall, Boyce, Hudson, Popovic, Andrews (Riihilahti 59), Soares, Leigertwood, Freedman (Reich 82), Johnson, Morrison (Macken 81).
Subs Not Used: Borrowdale, Speroni.
Att: 9,489
MoW: Andy Johnson
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