Palace take slender play-off lead

Crystal Palace 3 Sunderland 2

Crystal Palace will take a slender lead into the second leg of their Nationwide First Division play-off semi-final against Sunderland after a rollercoaster encounter at Selhurst Park.

Following a cagey first half, Marcus Stewart put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot after Tony Popovic had fouled Carl Robinson in the box.

However, the Eagles were soon on level terms through Neil Shipperley’s looping header and a deflected shot from Danny Butterfield then put them ahead.

With the clock ticking, Kevin Kyle lashed home from close range after Palace had failed to clear their lines only for Andrew Johnson to swing the tie back in the Eagles’ favour.