Goalkeeper Julian Speroni almost single-handedly kept Barnsley at bay at Oakwell as Crystal Palace picked up what could prove to be a precious point in their battle against relegation from the Championship.

Paul Hart's side were on the back foot for much of the game as Barnsley looked to bounce back from their 6-1 thumping at leaders Newcastle last time out.

But the hosts could not find a way past an inspired Speroni and Palace held on to claim a share of the spoils.

Robins said: "I am glad we kept a clean sheet after last week's hammering. I am pleased with our keeper (David Preece) after last week's performance. He is a professional and has worked at his game. He hasn't had a massive amount to do but what he has done has been good.

"I thought we were good value for the three points. On another day we could have had three or four goals but I am pleased with the performance."

He added: "Crystal Palace came and did a job and I thought their keeper was excellent and kept them in the game."

Barnsley should have wrapped the points up by half-time but their last touch always let them down. Their best chance came when Daniel Bogdanovic beat the Palace offside trap and raced 20 yards into their area. He tried to place the ball past Speroni but was denied by the goalkeeper.

Barnsley: Preece; Hassell, Foster, Shotton, Dickinson (Potter 45); Teixeira (Butterfield 79), Colace, Doyle (Hallfredsson 72), Hammill; Macken, Bogdanovic. Unused substitutes: Lund, Hume, De Silva, Gray.

Crystal Palace: Speroni; Butterfield, Clyne, Hill, Lawrence; Djilali (Andrew 70), Derry, Danns, Carle (Ertl 46); Ambrose, Lee (N'Diaye 87). Unused substitutes: Manns, John, Scannell, Hills.

Referee: Trevor Kettle (Rutland).

Man of the match: Julian Speroni.


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