Victor Moses opened the scoring after Julian Speroni's clearance caused havoc in the visiting defence before Alan Lee nodded home Danny Butterfield's cross.

BBC: Crystal Palace 3-0 Watford

Palace's other full-back Danny Butterfield also caught the eye and was unlucky to see his speculative shot hit the bar in the opening half.

BBC: Palace peg back Gills

There was speculation that Pardew would lose his job at the end of last season but the 49-year-old remained in charge and strengthened his squad in the summer, signing the likes of Ryan Dickson, Frazer Richardson and Danny Butterfield.

BBC: Southampton sack manager Alan Pardew

Alan Lee had put Palace in front with a thunderous header but Leon Clarke equalised close to the break with a superb strike, although the Eagles felt he should have been penalised for a foul on Danny Butterfield in the build-up.

BBC: Sheff Wed 2-2 Crystal Palace

Basso came well off his line to deal with Danny Butterfield's hopeful ball into the box but McCombe tried to head it clear, leaving his keeper in no man's land as Watson directed a superb looping header into the unguarded net.

BBC: Bristol C 2-1 C Palace (agg 4-2)