Source: Daily_Mail
Derby 1 Crystal Palace 1: Stern John grabs key late strike
A late strike from Stern John salvaged a point for Crystal Palace to boost their chances of avoiding relegation from the Coca-Cola Championship. 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. Big point: Crystal Palace boss Paul Hart saw his side grab a crucial equaliser at Pride ParkBut 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. 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. Palace needed to make a positive start to ease their nerves but they were behind after only six minutes. 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. 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. Jay McEveley tried his luck from long range but Derby full-back failed to test Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni. The Eagles were more threatening after the break and the experienced John flashed a shot wide from 12 yards out. 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. Hard luck: Russell Anderson's goal looked to have Nigel Clough's men on course for three pointsBut Palace came close once again 66 minutes in when Johannes Ertl's long-range strike was also narrowly off target. Derby were given another warning with 18 minutes remaining when Danny Butterfield picked out John and the striker headed straight at Bywater. And Bywater produced a fine double save to first deny Darren Ambrose and then John following up as Palace pressed for the equaliser. John was holding his head once again when his shot beat Bywater but struck the bar with eight minutes remaining. 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. 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