February 19 2011

Darren Ambrose

Crystal Palace secured a massive victory in their battle to stay up with a 1-0 triumph over relegation rivals Sheffield United.

Darren Ambrose's brilliant goal helped move Palace five points clear of United and the drop zone in 21st place.

It was United who started stronger with Neill Collins heading wide of the target and Nathaniel Clyne had to clear Richard Cresswell's effort off the goal-line.

Palace responded with James Vaughan firing over from Wilfried Zaha's throughball, then new loan signing from Fulham Kagisho Dikgacoi saw his powerful drive saved by keeper Steve Simonsen and Ambrose put the rebound wide.

Simonsen blocked an Ambrose free-kick, while down the other end Paddy McCarthy headed a dangerous United cross inches past his own post.

Ambrose, whose season has been blighted with injury, grabbed a special goal in the 69th minute. Neil Danns won a header 30 yards from goal and as the ball bounced, Ambrose controlled then unleased a fierce strike into the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season.

Sub Marcus Bent's header was blocked on the line by the Palace defence as they tried in vain to score a leveller.

Palace could have made the game safe late on when they broke on a counter attack with Sean Scannell who slid in Ambrose but the midfield spooned over when well placed.

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