Derby 1 Crystal Palace 1: Stern John grabs key late strike

17 April 2010 18:33
A late strike from Stern John salvaged a point for Crystal Palace to boost their chances of avoiding relegation from the Coca-Cola Championship. [LNB]Russell Anderson's first goal for three years early on looked to have given Derby the three points they needed to ensure they were mathematically safe. [LNB]Big point: Crystal Palace boss Paul Hart saw his side grab a crucial equaliser at Pride Park[LNB]But Palace were a different proposition in the second half and John struck the bar before levelling five minutes from time to move the Eagles two points above third-bottom Sheffield Wednesday, who play Sheffield United on Sunday with two matches remaining. [LNB]The point for Derby ensured they are eight points above the drop zone and they will definitely be safe if the Owls fail to win on Sunday. [LNB]Palace needed to make a positive start to ease their nerves but they were behind after only six minutes. [LNB]Rams skipper Robbie Savage delivered an inviting free-kick and centre-half Anderson rose highest to head home his first goal for the club from six yards out. [LNB]Derby looked dangerous from set-pieces and Shaun Barker almost joined his fellow central defender Anderson on the scoresheet but his header was turned away for a corner. [LNB]Jay McEveley tried his luck from long range but Derby full-back failed to test Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni. [LNB]The Eagles were more threatening after the break and the experienced John flashed a shot wide from 12 yards out. [LNB]Michael Tonge made a better fist of his free-kick than Savage but the former Sheffield United midfielder's strike from 25 yards out was narrowly wide. [LNB] Hard luck: Russell Anderson's goal looked to have Nigel Clough's men on course for three points[LNB]But Palace came close once again 66 minutes in when Johannes Ertl's long-range strike was also narrowly off target. [LNB]Derby were given another warning with 18 minutes remaining when Danny Butterfield picked out John and the striker headed straight at Bywater. [LNB]  And Bywater produced a fine double save to first deny Darren Ambrose and then John following up as Palace pressed for the equaliser. [LNB]John was holding his head once again when his shot beat Bywater but struck the bar with eight minutes remaining. [LNB]But the goal finally came five minutes from time when John was on hand to slot home from 12 yards out and it was no more than the visitors deserved. [LNB]  Reading 6 Peterborough 0: Royals hit Posh for six to extend winning runLeicester 4 Watford 1: Foxes swat Hornets to cement play-off placeCLICK HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail