Five Year Plan

Chris Martin scored an early Palace goal before Sean Scannell's sending off for a second yellow just before half time left Palace to defend with 10 men for half of the game.

Robert Snodgrass pulled one back for the visitors but despite the referee's best efforts the game ended 1-1 as Julian Speroni had a storming game in the Palace net.

The Eagles started the better and had a flurry of early chances primarily through the goal-scorer Martin. Our first chance came straight from kick-off with Martin poking just wide at the near post.

Palace fans didn't have to wait too long for the deadlock to be broken as Martin found the back of the net with a similar effort to his first goal for the Eagles. The on-loan striker controlled the ball outside of the visitor's area before striking low and hard from 20 yards out.

Leeds responded well and forced a spectacular double save out of the sublime Speroni in what has been labelled by some fans on twitter as 'save of the season'.

On the stroke of half time Scannell picked up a soft second yellow to condemn Palace to 45 minutes with just 10 men in what was arguably one of the poorer performances from officials this season.

A valiant effort from Palace in the second couldn't keep the ball out of the net as substitute Snodgrass levelled for the visitors just after the hour mark. Ross McCormack's pass found it's way to the feet of forward who tucked the ball past Speroni to even the score.

Clayton, Pugh and Snodgrass all had long range efforts thwarted whilst Jules was called upon late in the game to deny former Palace loanee Mikael Forsell a dramatic late game-clincher.

After the game Dougie was delighted with the performance of his team.

"I thought our energy levels, especially after Tuesday night's game, were fantastic. I felt we controlled most of the first half which resulted in two or three opportunites and we took one of them to go in at half-time with a deserved lead. Unfortunately the goal set us back mentally and physically but we dug deep and used our experience," he said.

"A manager's always disappointed with any sending off. I felt the decision was made too quickly and looking back was probably not a sending off. It's unfortunate but we didn't use it as an excuse, we don't use excuses around here. We take it on the chin, get on with [the game] and gave a fantastic display that got us a point.

"Julian is the best goalkeeper outside the Premier League. It's a shame that he's not playing in the Premier League and getting the plaudits he deserves. Hopefully one day we will give him that football because (of) the performance levels he's produced over the last couple of that years. You've seen it today, wonderful reactions, and from a guy who comes in every morning and works his socks off."

Palace XI: Speroni; Dumbaya (McShane), McCarthy, Gardner, Parr; Scannell, Wright, KG, Ambrose; Easter (Murray), Martin (Zaha).

MOTM: Julian Speroni

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