Crystal Palace end winless run with victory over Norwich City

Jason Puncheon curled home the only goal of the game as Crystal Palace edged out Norwich City this afternoon for their first victory in 15 Premier League games.

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Palace were lively early on but could not create any clear-cut opportunities, while at the other end Jonny Howson fired over with Norwich's only warning shot.

Puncheon could have put Palace in front in the 18th minute but slipped just as he was about to shoot. Scott Dann then went close for the hosts with a header that John Ruddy saved.

Down the other end, Norwich wanted a penalty when Matt Jarvis appeared to be barged over by Damien Delaney, but referee Michael Oliver felt that there was not an infringement.

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The rest of the first half went by with little goalmouth incident, but Norwich did suffer a blow when in-form defender Timm Klose was stretchered off with what looked like a serious injury shortly before the break.

The second period started much like the first, with both sides cancelling each other out, before Palace finally broke through in the 68th minute.

Puncheon collected a pass from Joel Ward and took the ball well in his stride as he cut in from the right before beating Ruddy and picking out the far corner from 20 yards.

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The opening goal injected life into the match and both sides had several chances in the closing stages, although none of them was taken.

Robbie Brady spurned the Canaries' best two chances of an equaliser, while Palace substitute Wilfried Zaha was twice denied by Ruddy.

A win at last for Palace moves them 10 points clear of the drop zone. Norwich stay 17th and four points clear of Sunderland, who have two games in hand on them.