The pivotal moment came on 72 minutes when Carle was harshly adjudged to have fouled Tom Soares in the box.

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

Mercifully, the second half provided slightly better fare and twice within five minutes of the restart the lively Tom Soares went close for the home side.

BBC: Stoke 1-0 West Brom

Palace led 3-0 at the interval thanks to a Tom Soares strike, and goals from Scott Sinclair and Clinton Morrison completed the rout in the second half.

BBC: Crystal Palace 5-0 Burnley

The goal was tough on the home team, who would have levelled almost instantly but for a superb block by McCarthy, who smothered a shot from Owls substitute - and former Palace player - Tom Soares.

BBC: Sheff Wed 2-2 Crystal Palace