Half-Time Report: Wilfried Zaha strike hands Crystal Palace lead against Norwich City

Wilfried Zaha's goal shortly before the break has given Crystal Palace a 1-0 half-time lead against Norwich City in an entertaining clash at Carrow Road.

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Graham Dorrans fired over from 25 yards and Lewis Grabban was within inches of breaking the Crystal Palace offside trap as the hosts began brightly on their return to the Premier League.

Steven Whittaker's teasing cross then found Grabban just two yards from goal, but the striker could only turn the ball onto the outside of the post.

Palace's first real chance came the way of Jordon Mutch, whose goal-bound shot from Glen Murray's pass was blocked by a Norwich body.

New Canaries signing Robbie Brady drilled a free kick into the Palace wall midway through the half, before Palace new boy Yohan Cabaye had a free kick of his own saved by John Ruddy.

Ruddy then had to react quickly to turn away Murray's shot from Joel Ward's cushioned header before Palace took the lead just before the break through Zaha.

It was Jason Puncheon's cross that beat the Norwich defence and was turned home at the back post by Zaha to give Alan Pardew's side the lead.