Palace joy proves fleeting

Nottingham Forest 2 Crystal Palace 1

After the heady joy of their FA Cup replay victory at Anfield last week, Palace's progress towards their First Division play-off target suffered a setback as Forest, long established in the top six, consolidated their grip on fourth place by making better use of their opportunities at the City Ground.

After numerous chances, Palace may feel unlucky to have left empty-handed, but chances count for nothing if they are not taken.

Before half-time, Dougie Freedman and Andrew Johnson had squandered a clear opening each, although it needed a brilliant save by Forest's goalkeeper, Darren Ward, to push a powerful header by Shaun Derry on to the bar. The second half offered more possibilities but a penalty converted by Andrew Johnson was their sole reward.

Palace had been caught out by a Forest set-play within four minutes, centre-back Michael Dawson claiming his third goal this season. The 19-year-old, valued at £10m by his club, signed a contract extension this week for five more years at the City Ground.

It is Dawson's ability to prevent goals that Forest value most, but he was alert enough to apply the finishing flourish when Andy Reid's low corner to the near post was flicked onwards by John Thompson in a move that looked cleverly plotted and well rehearsed.

Thereafter, the home side, missing the authority of the injured Des Walker at the back and needing to adjust to the loss of David Prutton – sold to Southampton – tended to be pushed on to the back foot as Palace moved the ball around confidently.

By tradition, however, Forest teams thrive by counter- attacking, and moments after Derry thought he had delivered an equaliser, Palace had rookie goalkeeper Cédric Berthelin to thank for deflecting Marlon Harewood's rising drive away for a corner.

Palace's mood worsened early in the second half when Dele Adebola finished a 50-yard run by shooting into the side-netting. The opening exposed Forest's rear vulnerability – but before the hour mark was reached the home side were two goals in front thanks to a piece of individual brilliance from Harewood.

Forest's rangy striker distinguished another forceful run at Palace's defence with a superbly executed, Cruyff-like turn to leave bemused left-back Tony Popovic in his wake, advanced into the area and then fired the ball impressively past Berthelin despite a prohibitive angle.

Palace, who had already replaced Freedman with Tommy Black, introduced Steve Thomson for Kit Symons and Ade Akinbiyi for Popovic in an attempt to tip the balance in their favour. They soon won a penalty, converted by Johnson after he had been fouled by Dawson, but could make no further inroads.

Nottingham Forest 2
Dawson 4, Harewood 59

Crystal Palace 1
A Johnson pen 75

Half-time: 1-0 Attendance: 26,012