Palace oust Robins in thriller

Beattie: On target for Palace

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• Bristol City
• Crystal Palace

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Crystal Palace turned in an impressive display to beat Bristol City 4-2 and climb towards mid-table.

Palace raced into an early two-goal lead thanks to John Oster and Sean Scanell, but Dele Adebola reduced City's arrears just before half-time with a spectacular strike.

Craig Beattie and Jose Fonte secured the points for Palace after the break before Nicky Maynard grabbed a late consolation.

The hosts started well and duly went in front after 11 minutes when Scannell gave the ball to Beattie who played in Oster on the overlap and he finished coolly past Adrian Basso.

The Eagles wasted no time in doubling their lead and two minutes later Scannell picked the ball up on the edge of the area and fired in a low drive that gave Basso no chance.

Bristol City eventually got going and Bradley Orr's long-range effort was comfortably dealt with by Julian Speroni before Ivan Sproule shot wide from the edge of the box.

The visitors were getting closer and just before half time Michael McIndoe directed the ball into Adebola's path and he sent an excellent overhead kick past Speroni.

Stronger

Palace were once again the stronger at the beginning of the second half and Ben Watson's fierce 25-yard drive was superbly kept out by Basso before the

Brazilian denied Clint Hill minutes later.

However the home side did restore their two-goal advantage in the 65th minute when Shefki Kuqi played in Beattie and he finished well from inside the area.

The home side were dominating and looked to be home and dry seven minutes later when Oster's corner was met by Fonte who rose highest to power home a header.

However, Bristol City hit back almost immediately when Stern John ran at the

Palace defence and laid the ball off to Maynard who rounded Speroni and finished.

The goal proved no more than a consolation for the Robins who failed to mount a comeback as Palace comfortably saw the game out.