September 22 2007

Ben Watson

Crystal Palace ended their dismal run of form with a thrilling 3-2 win at home to Sheffield United.

The Eagles had not tasted victory since the opening day of the season when they beat Southampton at St Mary's Stadium.

Midfield star Ben Watson was the hero when he put away a 89th minute penalty after Tom Soares was fouled in the area.

But they had a nightmare start three minutes into the second half as Mark Hudson put Keith Gillespie's corner into his own net.

A brilliant run from substitute Dougie Freedman set up the equaliser for Soares who netted from six yards out on the hour mark.

Skipper Carl Fletcher put the Londoners ahead when he blasted Tony Craig's beautiful cross past Paddy Kenny at the back post on 68 minutes.

But the Blades levelled in the 76th minute through James Beattie and it looked like the fixture was heading for a draw.

But with four minutes to go, Soares was upended in the box and Watson buried the spot-kick.

This triumph eases the pressure off under-fire manager Peter Taylor after a run of five games without a win.