Lewis Price: Looks an able deputy for Julian Speroni in between the Palace sticks. Price could not do much about Boro’s goal and kept the Eagles in the lead when Alex Nimely’s shot was deflected toward goal in the latter stages. 7

Jonathan Parr: Proved his versatility by playing at right back before moving into midfield when Ramage came on. Provided cover for Moxey when Boro were pushing for an equaliser. 6

Paddy McCarthy: Was unlucky with Boro’s goal as the ball took a dodgy bounce over the captain’s head. Looks as assured playing with Gardner as he has done with his recent central defensive partner Tunchev. 7

Anthony Gardner: Slotted straight back into the side as if he had not been away. He is extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet as he is at defending. He will have a challenge taking the spot from Tunchev. 7

Dean Moxey: Was not really troubled by Boro’s attackers. Supported Zaha well down the left-wing with forward runs. 6

Wilfried Zaha: Another fine performance by the 18-year-old. He is starting to bring a final product to his game, shown by a goal and an assist. Hopefully he will not be tempted in January by any lurking Premier League clubs. 9

Alex Marrow: He, like Gardner, came back into the Palace team after an injury lay-off with ease. Screened the back four well by making important challenges to break up Boro’s attacks. Will provide good competition for Wright in the defensive midfielder role. 7

Stuart O’Keefe: Showed a good range of passing and intercepted loose balls in the middle of midfield to set Palace away in attack. He will be looking to make more appearances this season. 8

Jon Williams: Was lively on the ball and looks to be improving with time. It was his interception and run that set-up Zaha for Palace’s opening goal. Surely it will not be too long before we see him starting a league match? 8

Calvin Andrew: Works incredibly hard but rarely gets on the scoresheet. He finally broke his barren spell when he leapt to nod home his first goal for Palace in more than a year. Could have scored another two headers but they were easily saved by Coyne. 7

Glenn Murray: Held the ball up well in some stages of the game but seemed to tire in the second half. Unlucky not to score when his chip hit the crossbar. Was then taken off for the returning Iversen. 6

Subs:

Peter Ramage (Williams, 60): Came on to shore up the defence when Palace were under the most pressure. His experience in defence helped the Eagles win. 6

Steffen Iversen (Murray, 74): Was put on to keep the ball when Murray tired. Palace will have to be patient with him as he looks to build up his fitness after injury. 6

Sean Scannell (Zaha, 86): Came on for the last couple of minutes to help see the game out. Palace fans should be extremely pleased that he is on the verge of pledging his future to the club. 6

Not used: Speroni, Caprice, Jedinak, Easter