IT WASN'T so long ago that Crystal Palace and Barnsley were battling it out for vital Premiership points and Sunday's clash at Selhurst bears some worrying similarities, writes Carl Gunaratnam.

The Eagles' defeat at Vale Park saw them slump to 16th in the Nationwide Division One table, just six points clear of the drop zone and three below John Hendrie's side.

The Yorkshiremen will have the in-form Craig Hignett to worry the Palace defence - his hat trick against Bristol Rovers put them into the last eight of the FA Cup last week.

But on the positive side, the Sky TV cameras should ensure a packed house at Selhurst as the Eagles try to avenge their 4-0 thrashing at Oakwell earlier this season.

In addition, the end of a one-match ban means striker Lee Bradbury is available to bolster Palace's goal-shy forward line. Bradbury was in scoring action for Palace reserves against Charlton on Monday.

Scottish Premier League side, Hearts are reported to be pursuing Palace midfielder Simon Rodger. And as transfer speculation grows, Australian international Craig Moore has been linked with a £1.2m move to Leeds.

Palace reserves defeated Swindon Town 3-0 last Thursday. The goalscorers were Gareth Graham, Andrew Martin and Steven Evans.

The replay of the Times FA Youth Cup fifth round tie against Arsenal will be on Wednesday March 17 at Crawley Town FC, ko 7.30pm.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.