Palace skip out of relegation zone at Villa's expense

FT Crystal Palace 2 Aston Villa 0

Crystal Palace hauled themselves out of the bottom three today after Andrew Johnson scored twice to sink Aston Villa.

The 23-year-old scored in each half – latching on to a Thomas Sorensen fumble for the first and lashing home a penalty for the second – his side’s first goals at home for four games.

Villa, who lost the race to sign James Beattie from Southampton, struggled to create chances with lone striker Juan Pablo Angel often isolated.

Moore, who was brought on for Hendrie after the goal, was booked for his part in the fracas along with Danny Granville.

Routledge had to receive treatment for what appeared to be a hamstring injury - but the youngster was soon back on his feet and received a standing ovation for his efforts.

Mikele Leigertwood was brought on for Watson to add defensive cover -and almost grabbed a third when he volleyed over from the edge of the area with 10 minutes left.

Johnson had a hat-trick in his sights and curled a 25-yard effort straight at Sorensen after 83 minutes. Lakis forced the Denmark keeper into another save a minute later.