September 26 2007

Ben Watson

BEN WATSON admits his match-winning penalty against Sheffield United on Saturday was the biggest in his career.

The midfield ace kept his nerve to blast home an 89th-minute spotkick and secure Palace's first victory in seven matches.

James Beattie thought he had given the Blades a precious away point when he made it 2-2 in the 76th minute after Carl Fletcher and Tom Soares netted for Palace.

But WATSON came up with the goods to put away the pressure kick after getting the nod from Dougie Freedman.

"I took two penalties last season, but only when Dougie was not on the pitch," said WATSON.

"On Saturday, Dougie told me I was going to take it, so I was a bit nervous but I just picked my spot and, thankfully, it went in.

"It was the biggest penalty I have taken - we needed the three points."