Palace boss Iain Dowie hailed his players after a convincing 1-0 win at home to National Division One leaders Norwich at Selhurst Park.

Wayne Routledge struck the winning goal to keep the Eagle's play-off hopes on track.

"It was always going to be tough for us against Norwich so I am delighted with this win," said Dowie.

"You always want to play the best and the league table shows that they are the best but I thought we were very solid and defensively excellent.

"I was very pleased with the work rate of my players. The work ethic of the two wide men was excellent Julian Gray must have run about 30 miles for us.

"The best part about this club is the players and the fans. The players have responded to my demands excellently.

"I don't make any bones about it, I do make demands and my training is tough but the players have all responded.

"It was a tight, edgy game decided by one goal, and it was a great piece of skill by Julian. His first touch to bring the ball under control was excellent.

"Had he not done that, the chance was gone but he brought it down well and played a great ball in and Wayne Routledge finished excellently."

Palace started brightly in a game played in swirling winds at Selhurst Park. A Neil Shipperley flick-on in the first few minutes found Andy Johnson in space, but he failed to finish.

Near the half-hour mark, Mark Hudson went close from a Routledge cross. But it was Routledge who made Norwich pay four minutes before the break, when he drilled home a Julian Gray cross that was helped on by Shipperley.

Soon after the goal, Norwich almost got back into the game. Keeper Nico Vaesen, who was making his Eagles' debut on loan from Birmingham, spilled a free-kick in the six-yard box, but Palace got enough bodies in the way to deflect a Norwich shot over the bar.

In the second half, Palace continued to pressure the Canaries as Norwich stopper Robert Green saved well from Johnson.

Ex-Palace striker Mathias Svensson brought the best out of Vaesen in the 69th minute, who got down well to save a right-foot shot.

Norwich put on two more forwards, in a bid to grab a goal. Veteran striker Iwan Roberts, and another ex-Palace player, Leon McKenzie. However, despite a few goal-mouth scrambles Palace came away with the vital victory.

Dowie added: "I put Mikele Leig-ertwood in to give us some more solidity and he was superb in front of the back four. He did exactly what I asked of him. I must also give a special mention to Mark Hudson, who was a colossus.

"Every week we face a different test. Sheffield United away was a test and we answered that. Gillingham home was a test and we answered that. This was another test and it was a big win for us.

"Norwich have one or two Premiership players in their team and it won't surprise me at all to see them promoted at the end of the season. Nigel Worthington is a very good friend of mine, so good luck to him and Norwich.

"Towards the end of the match we had to throw our bodies in the way of things and that highlighted our spirit.

"We were all determined to win, and no-one more so than Hughes. He is showing his full repertoire at the moment. He is a top-quality player and has been outstanding.

"Now we must prepare for West Brom. It doesn't get any easier, does it?"