premier league

CRYSTAL PALACE moved closer to preserving their Premier League status by earning their third successive victory.

Troy Deeney’s second-half own goal proved enough to secure all three points in an otherwise cagey affair. Two recent wins had already significantly reduced the pressure that had built on Sam Allardyce’s team, providing the momentum needed to eventually avoid relegation after a year-long decline.

Their manager had often spoken of the need to produce a run of positive results, but he has also stressed he would accept draws amid occasional victories if they avoid defeat.

For the opening 45 minutes there was little by way of a threat on goal.

Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend combined well to create space for the latter to cross to Mamadou Sakho in the 39th minute when Miguel Britos headed clear, shortly before Zaha struck the crossbar.

Then on the stroke of half-time, the visitors’ Valon Behrami also volleyed high and wide.

Until Townsend’s run down the right wing and cross in the 65th minute, neither Palace nor Watford came any closer. Younes Kaboul should have cleared the winger’s delivery, but it instead reached Zaha, who then created space amid pressure from Craig Cathcart before again shooting harmlessly over.

It had by then become clear that one goal would likely secure victory for either team, and almost immediately afterwards Zaha made ground until being brought down by Britos. From the resultant freekick, Yohan Cabaye sent an inswinging cross into the area, and Watford captain Deeney sent a powerful header beyond goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes’ dive.

Apart from a long-range strike from sub Abdoulaye Doucoure that tested Wayne Hennessey, Watford offered little in response.

Benteke later hesitated when through on goal, allowing Kaboul to challenge him, and Zaha continued to create space, yet still a second goal eluded the hosts.