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