December 28 2005

Darren Ward celebrates his goal against Derby

Crystal Palace moved into the play-off places with a 2-0 win at home to Derby.

Rams striker Tommy Smith tested Gabor Kiraly with two shots from distance in the first 14 minutes.

But Clinton Morrison fired Palace into the lead on the half-hour mark for his eighth Palace goal since signing from Birmingham.

A poor backpass by Rams defender Michael Johnson forced keeper Lee Camp to come rushing out of his goal. But he deflected it into the path of Morrison who scored into an empty net.

Dougie Freedman went desperately close with a 25-yard volley that whisked inches over the crossbar.

Then Darren Ward made it 2-0 in the 41st minute with his third goal of the season. He volleyed Jobi McAnuff's left-sided corner into the roof of the net from 15 yards.

The Eagles move up to fifth and are unbeaten in four home games.

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