Crystal Palace secured their Championship status for another season but condemned opponents Sheffield Wednesday to League One next season following to a 2-2 draw at Hillsborough.
The result means that The Eagles will again be in the Championship next season and that is something which has got to boost the chances of investment.
Palace came into the game knowing that just a point would keep them up but that by no means hindered their approach to the game.
And it was Palace who broke the deadlock on 24 minutes when Alan Lee rose unmarked to head the ball past Wednesday ‘keeper Lee Grant.
But Wednesday struck back when Simon Butterfield got in a tangle which allowed Owls striker Leon Clarke to draw the hosts level just on half time.
Alan Irvine’s side continued to press after the break but it was to be Palace again who took the lead.
Sean Scannell broke free on the wing before superbly picking out the unmarked Darren Ambrose who didn’t waste the opportunity to take his tally to 20 for the season.
Palace were happy to let the Owls press going into the last 15 minutes of the game knowing that the hosts needed two goals to stay up.
Substitute Francis Jeffers failed to connect with a cross in the last five minutes but Wednesday captain Darren Purse got the end of a flick-on with just three minutes level to set up a nervy finish for the 5700 Eagles fans which made the trip to the Steel City.
But it was Palace who had the final chance and indeed the final say. Substitute Stern John and Ambrose broke clear but somehow a combination of Purse and Grant managed to keep the ball out.
It was to no avail for the Owls though as Palace held on for the point which meant that they stay in the Championship next season – subject to investment from consortium CPFC2010.
Share this article
