January 2 2012

Jonathan Parr

Virus-hit Crystal Palace started the New Year with a bump after a 2-1 defeat to 10-man Leicester.

Former Palace midfielder Neil Danns played a key role in the victory by scoring against his old club and setting up Sol Bamba for the second goal.

Jonathan Parr pulled a goal back for the Eagles but Leicester held on despite having Steve Howard sent off in the closing stages.

Palace were dealt a blow before kick-off with centre half pairing Paddy McCarthy and Anthony Gardner pulling out of the side due to a virus that had already laid low keeper Julian Speroni.

And Speroni's deputy Lewis Price was to blame for City's goal after 19 minutes when he kicked a clearance into the back of one his own defenders and Danns curled the loose ball home.

Owen Garvan and Wilfried Zaha had attempts on goal but Danns inspired the away team to a second when his free-kick was diverted on by David Nugent and headed in at the far post by Bamba on 37 minutes.

Four minutes later, Parr netted a superb curling effort beyond Foxes keeper Kasper Schmeichel to get Palace back in the game.

Glenn Murray was foiled by Schmeichel and put a shot wide, before Zaha and Jermaine Easter went close as the Londoners went in search of an equaliser.

Then Leicester substitute Howard said something which the referee's assistant referee did not appreciate and was shown a straight red with three minutes left but the Foxes held on for the three points.

Palace: Price, Parr, Keinan, Ramage, Clyne, Zaha, O'Keefe (Ambrose 54), Jedinak, Garvan, Scannell (Martin 72), Murray (Easter 72).

Not Used: Fitzsimons, Dikgacoi.

Leicester: Schmeichel, Mills, Bamba, Tunchev (Dyer 46), Moore, King, Abe, Danns, Kennedy, Schlupp (Beckford 76), Nugent (Howard 75).

Not Used: Weale, Gallagher.

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