Julian Speroni: Had Matt Lawrence to thank when Elliot Ward’s looping header had beaten him in the first half, but apart from that another fine performance from one of Palace’s most consistent performers this season. 7

Matt Lawrence: A commanding performance at right-back, kept Palace in the game with his goal-line headed clearance and got forward on more than one occasion. 8

Clint Hill: Got forward, scored a goal and never looked like letting a Coventry player past him in defence. 8

Shaun Derry: Must have thought it was Christmas with the amount of space that was afforded him in midfield. Back to what he does best – making tackles and breaking up play. 7

Patrick McCarthy: Looked solid alongside Jose Fonte and an integral part of why Palace kept a clean sheet. 7

Jose Fonte: Helped out with the opening goal, won everything at the back – a fine game from the Portuguese. 8

Sean Scannell: This match played to Scannell’s strengths as he was able to drive down the middle of the park and in on goal with the ball at his feet, rather than being asked to chase long balls over the top. 7

Craig Beattie: Won the foul that led to the free-kick which the opening goal was scored from. A constant menace to the Coventry defence. 7

Paul Ifill: Worked his socks off for the team, helping to keep things ticking over attack wise when Palace started to run out of ideas. 7

Ben Watson: Another great performance and goal from Watson, who really is enjoying his football at the moment. When he is firing, Palace do too. Man of the match. 8

John Oster: Part of a three man midfield, he had a lot to do but stuck to his task well. His best all-round performance in a Palace shirt. 7

Subs:

Nick Carle (Scannell, 78): Helped Palace to shut up shop but he really needs to find some attacking form. 6.

Johannes Ertl (Oster, 90): Came on late. 5