Wolverhampton Wanderers 4 Crystal Palace 0

Last updated : 01 March 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Wolves striker Kenny Miller made up for the disappointment of missing out on a place in the Molineux history books by firing home a hat-trick as his team roared to victory against Crystal Palace.

Miller failed to make history in Wolves' previous game against Watford when he was bidding to become the first post-war Wolves player to score in eight successive matches.

Substitute Dean Sturridge also got in on the act with a 77th minute strike as Palace's frustrations continued.

They have not won a league match since December 28 and have taken just three points from their last six games.

Their defeat would have been even more comprehensive but for the second-half heroics of goalkeeper, Cederic Berthelin.

Ironically, before Miller breathed life into a dismal first half, Palace had threatened to take control of affairs.

Former Wolves striker Ade Akinbiyi came close to marking his first return to Molineux with a goal after 33 minutes.

He rose well to head a corner from Shaun Derry goalwards only to be denied by a smart save from Matt Murray.

When Wayne Routledge crossed for Dele Adebola to fire narrowly wide two minutes later, it seemed only a matter of time before Palace broke the deadlock.

But they paid the price after 40 minutes for failing to take advantage of their chances when Miller continued his hot run in front of goal.

Striker Adam Proudlock whipped a centre across the face of the Palace goal. When winger Mark Kennedy fired the ball back in from the left flank, Miller was able to bundle the ball home from six yards.

Wolves then threatened to stroll to victory in the second half only to be initially denied by Berthelin.

Twice in the space of 60 seconds he frustrated Proudlock and Miller when the two strikers were faced with just the goalkeeper to beat.

But the Frenchman was powerless to prevent Sturridge poking Wolves further ahead when he turned home another cross from Kennedy 13 minutes from time.

Miller set the seal on a resounding Wolves success seven minutes from time.

He was released by Colin Cameron and rifled a drive from 14 yards past the stranded Berthelin.

Miller then won and converted a last minute penalty to complete his hat-trick.

He was hauled down by Darren Powell before picking himself up to send Berthelin the wrong way from the spot.