Crystal Palace 2-0 Barnsley

Crystal Palace moved to within a point of the play-offs, while Barnsley were brought down to earth after their FA Cup giant-killing performances.

Tom Soares scored the opener a minute after the break, with a run at goal and a low drive from the edge of the area.

Seven minutes from time, a shot from six yards gave James Scowcroft the 100th goal of his career.

In the first half Barnsley had a header by Kayode Odejayi cleared off the line, and Istvan Ferenczi wasted a chance.

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Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock:

"I knew it wouldn't be an open game but I told the players to keep foraging and the opportunity would come.

"Someone at West Brom commented that they wouldn't want to play us again - and I don't think many people would.

"We've got a great team spirit and a will to keep our own goal intact - and it's a case of onto the next game."

Barnsley manager Simon Davey:

"I'll take nothing away from them, it's been a hard month.

"The schedule takes it's toll and with the cup exploits maybe there is a bit of mental fatigue.

"Nobody's got their shirts for the FA Cup game yet, we have to keep picking up points. We won't talk about Wembley until two days before the game."

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Crystal Palace: Speroni, Lawrence, Hudson, Fonte, Hill, Soares, Watson, Derry, Scannell (Robinson 86), Scowcroft, Morrison (Kudjodji 90).
Subs Not Used: Fletcher, Hughes, Hills.

Booked: Speroni.

Goals: Soares 46, Scowcroft 83.

Barnsley: Steele, Nyatanga, Foster, Souza, Kozluk, Van Homoet (Campbell-Ryce 72), Macken (Coulson 82), Howard, Togwell, Odejayi, Ferenczi (Nardiello 60).
Subs Not Used: Devaney, Leon.

Booked: Macken, Nardiello.

Att: 17,459

Ref: Iain Williamson (Berkshire).