Crystal Palace 1-0 Doncaster Rovers: Speroni leaves O'Driscoll cold with a command performance

Pablo Counago's 35th-minute strike, a clinical right-foot shot, proved the difference but the Eagles remain in the Championship relegation zone on goal difference.

Rovers dropped to ninth with the defeat and O'Driscoll said: "We've got to take the result on the chin.

"There are things that we didn't do that we've been doing in previous matches.

"I'm not talking about our passing or scoring goals. It's all the nitty gritty things you have to do in the Championship week in week out.

"Ninety per cent of teams in the Championship can't rely on individual players, but need to rely on the team, and we're one of those. Every point is precious, so we're disappointed."

Doncaster started well, James Hayter missing two good opportunities but Palace took the lead through Counago's second of the season 10 minutes before the break.

Darren Ambrose's cross was met by Neil Danns but his right-footed 12 yarder was well saved lowdown by Doncaster's veteran goalkeeper Neil Sullivan.

Doncaster remained dangerous and created two opportunities just after the half-hour, but Hayter, who was one-on-one with Palace goalkeeper Speroni, was well tackled by Anthony Gardner before Speroni tipped over David Healy's overhead kick.

Palace then took the lead after 35 minutes. Ambrose enjoyed a run down the right and passed to Counago on the right side of the area, the striker finishing well slotting a right-footed shot between Sullivan and his near post.

Rovers started the second half as they began the first, Coppinger having a good chance to equalise after 52 minutes but his effort was straight at Speroni.

Counago himself then had a shot from the edge of the area which Sullivan did brilliantly to tip round the post before Zaha dribbled his way into the box and unleashing a shot which hit the post.

Healy, Oster and Brian Stock were all denied by Speroni as Rovers pushed for an equaliser, but to no avail.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Clyne, Davis, Gardner, Wright, Zaha, Marrow (Dorman 14), Danns, Ambrose (N'Diaye 81), Vaughan (Obika 84), Counago. Unused substitutes: Fray, Barrett, Djilali, O'Keefe.

Doncaster: Sullivan, O'Connor, Martis, Thomas (Brooker 87), Dumbuya, Coppinger, Oster (Shiels 80), Stock, Wilson (Sharp 66), Hayter, Healy. Unused substitutes: Gary Woods, Lockwood, Hird, Souza.

Referee: A D'Urso (Essex).

Man of the Match: Julian Speroni.

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