Julian Speroni: Hasn't looked his usual assured self in recent weeks and lacks confidence in those in front of him. Made a good save from Hume and could do nothing with the goals. 6

Nathaniel Clyne: The youngster regained some of his zest and drove forward whenever he got the chance and was a constant threat. Palace's stand-out defender and even gave as good as he got when McCarthy had a go at him for giving the ball away when it was the captain's fault. Star man. 8

Anthony Gardner: Yet to click with McCarthy the pair were constantly going for the same ball and had no understanding. Had a lack of communication with Speroni a few times as well but some of his defending was good - apart from the first goal. 5

Paddy McCarthy: Mr Commitment turned into Mr Angry shouting at everyone around him when things didn't go right. Understandably frustrated with results but he needs to encourage rather than shout. Not his best game defensively and bullied by Parkin. 5

Julian Bennett: Left isolated too often at left back when the rest of the defence got dragged to the right and Djilali or Dorman didn't track back. Unlucky with the penalty decision but should have stayed on his feet. 6

Alex Marrow: He has set such high standards so far this season that this performance was well below par for him. Poor control gave away the free kick for the third goal and he didn't give enough protection to the back four. 5

Andy Dorman: Struggled to have a major impact in the game despite working hard and always offering himself. Good goal got Palace back into it and hopefully that will give him confidence to push on. 6

Owen Garvan: Has been pushed further forward to play as the head of the three-man midfield and is starting to show his class there. Excellent goal should be the first of many this season. 7

Kieran Djilali: Looked up for this one and constantly wanted the ball. He caused Preston's defence some problems but his final ball was lacking as it so often is. Unlucky to be subbed when Burley switched to 4-4-2. 6

Wilfried Zaha: He had an off-day but was still Palace's biggest threat. His skill and pace get him into some great shooting positions but he seems unable to get a shot on target. Needs finishing practice. 6

James Vaughan: Led the line tirelessly in the face of some rough Preston defending and got the goal his work-rate deserved from the spot. Missed two sitters though, including one at the death that would have given Palace a point. 7

Subs:

Pablo Counago (Djilali, 63): Won the penalty and showed some good hold-up play. Had a chance himself but took too long to shoot. 6

Kieron Cadogan (Dorman, 73): Added a bit of zip he put in a few good crosses that caused some panic in the Preston defence. 6

Alassane N'Diaye (Marrow, 86): A strange choice to come on ahead of Andrew he won a few headers but also fell over a lot. 5

NOT USED: Calvin Andrew, Lewis Price, David Wright, Adam Barrett.