Alan Lee's sixth goal of the season gave Paul Hart a winning start in his first game as Crystal Palace manager as the Eagles beat Sheffield United 1-0.

The striker volleyed home Danny Butterfield's deep cross from six yards half way through the first half in a game of few chances.

Lee and Darren Ambrose had chances to extend the lead but the former shot over from five yards while the latter's weak shot was gathered by Mark Bunt.

Sheffield United offered very little as Claude Davis and Clint Hill dominated Richard Cresswell and Jamie Ward.