Julian Speroni: Rush of blood to the head in the first half could have cost Palace but his saves in the second half were outstanding. First clean sheet of the season. 8

Danny Butterfield: Kept his place because of Clyne’s back injury and gave a much-improved performance, particularly going forward. 7

Jose Fonte: Much-maligned last week but responded well and kept Vaughan quiet in the second half after a few nail-biting moments in the first. 7

Paddy McCarthy: Best game of the season so far and no coincidence Palace’s first clean sheet came with him in the side. 7

Clint Hill: His usual no-nonsense self defensively but needs to offer more going forward. 7

Darren Ambrose: Stepped up a gear from the last few games and was more willing to track back and make tackles. Good finish for goal too. 7

Shaun Derry: Seemed to be everywhere in his 500th career performance and energised the side. Got the assist for the goal and made numerous clearances in his own box. Man of the match. 8

Johnny Ertl: Looked short of match practice in the first half but improved after the break and marked Robbie Savage out of the game. Should have scored when he hit the crossbar. 7

Neil Danns: Played out of position on the right wing but did well and put himself about. Showed passion throughout. 7

Sean Scannell: Given his chance up front and held the ball up well. Had a great chance to double the lead but took one too many touches. 7

Alan Lee: He is never going to terrorise defences but won almost everything in the air that was sent up to him, and there was a lot of that. 7

Subs:

Nick Carle (Scannell, 88): Little time to make an impact but did almost set up a goal. 6