EPL: Huddersfield 0-2 Crystal Palace

Luka Milivojevic celebrates scoring from the spot for Crystal Palace against Huddersfield

Crystal Palace moved out of the Premier League drop zone after they beat fellow relegation rivals Huddersfield 2-0 on Saturday.

It was a strong away performance from Roy Hodgson's side, with James Tomkins poking home the opener in the 23rd minute to the delight of the away fans.

Luka Milivojevic added the second from the penalty spot in the 67th minute after Andros Townsend was fouled by Mathias Jorgensen in the area to send Crystal Palace two points clear of 18th place where they had started the day.

 

Huddersfield offered little in terms of a reply throughout the game at a snowy John Smith's Stadium, and remain in 15th on 31 points - one ahead of the Eagles.

Palace began well in west Yorkshire and could have taken the lead in the seventh minute as Milivojevic curled a superb free-kick over the wall, but it did not have enough whip to find the back of the net.

 

But they made the breakthrough in the 23rd minute as Tomkins took advantage of some sloppy Huddersfield defending. Milivojevic was involved again as he delivered a corner, which fell to the defender in the six-yard box. His initial effort was saved by Jonas Lossl, but he managed to poke home the rebound and put Palace ahead.

 

Huddersfield grew into the game after going behind with a number of crosses from both flanks going into the area, but they were unable to create a clear-cut opening as they went into the break on the back foot.

Palace continued to see the better of the chances in the second half, and had an effort cleared off the line in the 61st minute. It could have been another for Tomkins as he collected a Townsend corner at the back post, but his shot through the area was seen away by Steve Mounie.

But Huddersfield had their best chance of the game not long after. Florent Hadergjonaj crossed into the area and after a slight flick on from Milivojevic at the near post, the ball landed to the feet of Mounie but his fierce drive flew past the post.

 

Palace put the game to bed in the 67th minute, though, as Townsend was brought down in the area by Jorgensen and referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot. Captain Milivojevic sent Lossl the wrong way as he smashed home the penalty to seal victory for Palace.