Crystal Palace 1990 1
Bright 34
Liverpool 1990 1
Babb 30

Over 5,000 Crystal Palace fans braved the Arctic conditions to watch the re-make of the classic 1990 FA Cup semi-final between the Eagles and Liverpool in aid of the Geoff Thomas foundation.

The Ex-Eagles captain, in remission after his battle with Leukmemia, once again led out his old teammates against their Liverpool counterparts, whom Palace beat in the original encounter just under 17 years ago at Villa Park.

The match winner on that occasion, Alan Pardew, made his return to the Selhurst Park turf after missing the cup final re-match against Manchester United last year But it was Mark Bright who did the damage this time round, heading in a first half equaliser to cancel out Phil Babb's strike.

The Palace side also included Perry Suckling, Jon Humphrey, Eric Young, Gareth Southgate, Kit Symons and Andy Gray, while the Liverpool side featured John Barnes, Ronnie Whelan, Bruce Grobbelaar, Jamie Redknapp and Steve McManaman.

Eagles chairman Simon Jordan enjoyed a 45-minute run out and impressed current Palace boss Peter Taylor, who also made a cameo appearance.

"I thought Simon played well and I thought it was a very good decision for him to come off at half time," Taylor joked.

"He could not have repeated that, he played very well"

Taylor rolled back the years when he entered the fray on the right wing, showing he can still play, despite retiring from playing over 20 years ago.

He admitted that not just himself, but all the other players revelled taking part in the occasion.

"I enjoyed it, I thought it was good fun," said Taylor.

"It is really good when ex-players get together for a very good cause. You could tell they all wanted to be there for Geoff and his charity.

"I still play every now and again. I have not played so much this season since I have been at Palace, but I try to keep myself fit and play the occasional game."

He also had praise for a particulur Liverpool player who, despite his physique, still boasts a formidable touch.

"You could tell what a great player John Barnes was," Taylor added.

"I know he looks a little heavy now, but you could tell what a talented player he must have been in his prime."