Paul Hart suffered his first defeat as Crystal Palace manager after Chris Iwelumo's exquisite strike gave Bristol City a 1-0 win at Selhurst Park.
The striker capitalised on Palace's failure to clear a long throw and produced a stunning volley on the turn.
It was the only moment of quality in a drab game.
The Eagles lacked any spark or cutting edge, with Alan Lee wasting their only chance of the game, putting a header wide from a Darren Ambrose free kick.
Hart's decision to substitute the impressive Nick Carle with 10 minutes left was greeted with boos from the Palace crowd.
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