Cardiff City 0
Crystal Palace 0

Crystal Palace took a valuable point off Cardiff City in their second away match of the Christmas campaign.

One-time league leaders Cardiff, without a win in eight games, dominated the game but could not find a way past a resilient Scott Flinders and a hardworking Palace back four.

In wet and windy conditions at Ninian Park, quality football was at a premium.

Michael Chopra showed the first hint of class in the sixth minute, crashing an effort on to Flinders' bar in a move that was eventually deemed offside.

After 29 minutes Willo Flood got down the left to whip in a cross for Steven Thompson that the Bluebirds striker just failed to convert.

After the break Peter Taylor changed to a 4-5-1 formation, with James Scowcroft alone up front and Clinton Morrison on the right of midfield.

Although they were clearly playing for a draw, Palace could have snatched a shock 67th-minute lead when a sweeping move ended with Jobi McAnuff heading over.

Moments later, Morrison had the ball in the back of the net but was harshly judged offside after intercepting a headed back-pass.

At the other end, Flinders was dealing with shot after shot notably from Flood in the 71st minute after his effort had taken a deflection.

Flood should have scored just after the hour when in on goal but shot wide.

Eagles boss Peter Taylor was a happy with a point.

"I think that anytime you go away from home you have to stay solid and not give anything away and try to frustrate the home team. Against Cardiff, we did that."
Palace Star Man: Scott Flinders. His first clean sheet for Palace and it was well earned against a Cardiff side desperate for a win. A solid display from a keeper with much to prove.
Crystal Palace: Flinders 8, Lawrence 7, Ward 7, Hudson 7, Butterfield 6, McAnuff 6, Watson 6 (Reich 75 6), Kennedy 6, Fletcher 6, Scowcroft 5, Morrison 5 (Kuqi 84 5).