Stockport 0-1 C Palace

Freedman (l) celebrates his winner against Stockport

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Dougie Freedman's 66th-minute goal condemned bottom-of-the-table Stockport County to their 10th successive defeat in Nationwide Division One.

Freedman rifled home from 16 yards after a cross from Jovan Kirovski, the substitute's first touch after replacing Simon Rodger minutes earlier.

It justified my team selections in playing (Dougie Freedman)

Palace boss Trevor Francis

But County, whose last home victory was back on November 15, deserved a point for their all-action performance for player-manager Carlton Palmer.

"He hit the ball so cleanly," said Palace boss Trevor Francis.

"It justified my team selections in playing him.

"He's been hampered by a hamstring injury for three and a half weeks, but you cannot dismiss a goalscorer with his record.

"He is a clever player and though he is not match fit yet he showed he can still finish in style."

Dibble superb

The Hatters rode their luck in the first half when Palace were the better team and would have gone ahead but for some fine saves from County's 36-year-old keeper Andy Dibble.

Indeed, Dibble kept out a Clinton Morrison effort just after the break but following that let-off, Stockport began to get on top.

Kevin Ellison, who had wasted a glorious opportunity in the first period when he shot tamely at Alex Kolinko, was given another chance to make amends in the 56th minute.

Great play by midfielder Keith Briggs sent the former Leicester player bearing down on goal but once more Kolinko dealt with the striker's left-foot effort.

Palace had a double let-off in the 58th minute. Kolinko kept out Damian Delaney's free-kick and then managed to smother Jon Daly's follow-up.

Stockport were clearly on top but then came Palace's winning goal to condemn Stockport to another miserable night.