A Yohan Cabaye strike has given Crystal Palace a 1-0 half-time lead over Southampton this afternoon.
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Both sides struggled to create chances for much of the game's early moments, but it was the hosts who looked the more dangerous side, with Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha both causing problems for the Southampton defence.
Palace went on to control the first half's chances, as Cabaye was kept out by Saints goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga in the top corner, before the Argentine shot-stopper held a Connor Wickham header from the resulting corner.
Southampton improved as the half went on, with Victor Wanyama playing in Shane Long on the break, only for the Irishman to drag his effort wide.
The hosts called upon keeper Wayne Hennessey to keep the scores level after the half-hour mark, as Steven Davis met a Cedric Soares cross with a header, only for the Wales international to tip the former Rangers man's effort over the bar.
Palace took the lead on 38 minutes when Bolasie picked out Cabaye from the right flank, leaving the French midfielder to place a simple finish past Gazzaniga.
Stephen Topping
