James Scowcroft scores Palace's first goal.

Two first-half goals gave Palace their first win since September and ended a run of four straight defeats. 

Peter Taylor made only two changes from the side that lost to Stoke City last week. New loanee Iain Turner made his debut in goal in place of West Ham bound Gabor Kiraly and Darren Ward replaced the injured Leon Cort at centre-back.

No doubt boosted by the great atmosphere generated by the home fans Palace started a lot better then their previous few home games as they dominated possession in the opening few minutes. Ward powered a header straight at Barnsley keeper Nick Colgan in the fifth minute and seconds later Clinton Morrison hooked a difficult chance just over the bar.

In the 12^th minute another Kennedy free-kick caused all sorts or problems in the Barnsley box but the Tykes' defence threw bodies in the way and somehow the ball stayed away from Colgan in goal. But a few minutes later Palace did get the ball in the net and rather unsurprisingly it came from a Kennedy free-kick.

Once again the Irishman's ball from the left created panic and James Scowcroft had the simple job of tapping in from close range. Getting the goal was a huge relief for the Eagles as it was their first at Selhurst Park since September and a just reward for their dominance in the opening 15 minutes.

In the 28^th minute Barnsley full-back Bobby Hassell nearly scored a bizarre own goal as he looped a header over Colgan from Turner's long goal-kick. Luckily for the Tykes though their Republic of Ireland international keeper recovered well and scooped the ball away from his goalline.

One of Palace's problems this season has been an inability to score a second after taking the lead, but this time they did score a second. Tom Soares controlled the ball superbly with his head on the halfway line before running towards goal and beating three defenders. Unfortunately for the young midfielder his shot was saved by Colgan but Morrison was on hand to nod the loose ball into the back of the net amid wild celebrations.

Jobi McAnuff forced Colgan into another save in the 37^th minute as the Eagles finished the half strongly to record, perhaps their best 45 minutes of football so far this season.

Barnsley, who offered little attacking wise in the first 45 minutes, came out for the second-half with a lot more urgency and in the 50^th minute Paul Heckingbottom slashed a shot wide from just outside the penalty area.

Just before the hour mark Michael Hughes struck a shot just over the bar as the Eagles started to gain the upper hand again. McAnuff and Soares were starting to cause problems for Barnsley on both wings with some dangerous crosses.

In the 65^th minute McAnuff came within inches of adding a third for Palace but his shot from the edge of the box hit the side netting.

In the 71^st minute Taylor made his first change bringing on Shefki Kuqi for Scowcroft and the Finn was quickly into the match charging down the Barnsley defenders when they were on the ball. Shortly after Morrison was replaced by Dougie Freedman as Taylor sought to add some fresh legs.

As time went on Barnsley heads seemed to drop as Palace shut up shop and took the sting out of the game. Hughes went close in the last few minutes with a dipping free-kick as the clock run down on Palace's first win in eight matches.

Palace: Turner; Butterfield, Ward, Hudson, Granville; Hughes (c), Kennedy (Fletcher 84), Soares, McAnuff; Scowcroft (Kuqi 71), Morrison (Freedman 76).
Subs: Flinders, Lawrence.
Booked: Soares.
Goalscorers: Scowcroft (15), Morrison (32).

Barnsley: Colgan; Hassell, Reid (c), Kay, Heckingbottom; Devaney (Hayes 60), Togwell, Howard, McIndoe; Nardiello, Wright.
Subs: McParland, Austin, Wroe, Williams.
Booked: Hassell, Colgan.