Ruddock out

Liverpool edged closer towards their highest league finish since Kenny Dalglish's final season four years ago with a point at Wimbledon. But with a European berth booked already through their Coca-Cola Cup final win, the night's main concern for Roy Evans' team was the second-half injury sustained by Neil Ruddock. The England centre-half limped out of the action holding his hamstring, raising doubts over his place in next month's four-nations tournament.

Liverpool came seeking their season's fourth victory at Selhurst Park, the scene of their exhilarating 6-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace last August and where they have since won cup games against both Palace and the Dons.

Their bit players were again out in force, although former England centre-half Mark Wright stepped down, allegedly suffering from a virus, to allow Ruddock back in after suspension.

With Rob Jones, Stig Bjornebye and Phil Babb out injured, Liverpool reverted to a flat back four. They certainly looked a defender short when Alan Kimble's centre from left-back after two minutes found Jon Goodman unmarked but the striker headed over. Goodman was unlucky when, receiving Marcus Gayle's flick-on off Vinnie Jones' long throw, he turned and short inches wide from six yards out.

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