November 7 2009

Darren Ambrose

Darren Ambrose was Crystal Palace's goal hero again, scoring in the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.

The midfielder struck his 10th goal of the season in the 65th minute and Palace held on after some outstanding saves from Julian Speroni.

Ambrose went close to giving Palace a second minute lead when a curling free-kick whisked just past the upright.

Speroni did well to keep out Leroy Lita's deflected shot and former Palace striker Marcus Bent missed a brilliant chance to score but fired off target when well placed.

The Eagles were looking a threat going forward and Alan Lee planted a headed inches past the post, while Johannes Ertl dinked a shot over the bar.

Lita wasted a fantastic opportunity to put Middlesbrough ahead when he was one of four players against Danny Butterfield on a swift counter-attack but fluffed his shot with three of his team-mates alone in the box screaming for the ball.

Then in a counter-attack of their own, Palace got their noses in front in the 65th minute as Speroni collected a Boro corner kick, threw out to Alan Lee, whose cross to Neil Danns was flicked on to Ambrose who made no mistake.

Palace were indebted to Speroni who pulled off a magnificent save to push out Gary O'Neil's attempted lob when the player was through on goal.

He blocked Jonathan Franks' shot with his legs and dealt with Boro's dangerous crosses into the box as Palace held firm for the victory.

Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, Fonte, Davis, Hill, Danns (Carle 81), Ertl, Derry, Ambrose, Sears (N'Diaye 88), Lee.

Not Used: Clyne, John, Moses, Scannell, Djilali.

Middlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte (Arca 69), St. Ledger, Wheater, Grounds, O'Neil, Williams, Osbourne, Johnson, Lita (Franks 77), Bent.

Not Used: Coyne, Yeates, Emnes, Bennett, McMahon.

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