A Clinton Morrison double and one from Dougie Freedman helped Palace move up to second spot in the league after a 3-2 win over Norwich on Sunday.

But after racing into a three-goal lead, Palace let the visitors crawl back in the final 15 minutes due to two defensive errors.

However Eagles boss Steve Bruce praised his two front men, Morrison and Freedman.

He said: "If there is a better strike partnership in the division, then I've yet to see them. The front movement was just too much for Norwich.

"They have a great understanding, pace and movement. They can play in the Premiership that is how highly I rate them.

"They have scored 24 goals between them this season. But I challenge them to hit another 25 and I will be wrapping them up in cotton wool for the rest of the season.

"We know we need to strengthen in this area and find another forward to give them a hand.

"But getting one is not an easy job because no-one really wants to come and sit on the bench."

Norwich started the better of the two sides, but Palace took control of the game and went in front four minutes before half- time.

Freedman turned two Norwich defenders inside out by the byline and his cross was headed in by Morrison.

In the second half, Morrison netted his second and Freedman made it three after a one-two with Morrison and Palace were in cruise mode.

But Norwich got back into the game when Matt Clarke let a free-kick slip over the line and Dean Austin gave away a penalty with four minutes to go, to leave Eagles fans, and Bruce, with a nervous final few minutes.

Bruce added: "We conceded two goals, which were from mistakes and the guilty players know who they are. But apart from that we played some fantastic football."

He finally put Palace fans' minds at rest by dismissing reports linking him with a move to manage Birmingham City.

He told the Independent on Sunday: "All the speculation surrounding Birmingham has been off-putting because it's detracted from the players and what they've achieved.

"I could have done without it. I'm extremely happy here. I want to manage in the Premiership and I'd love to take Crystal Palace there. End of story."

Palace entertain West Brom tonight (Wednesday) in the league, kick off 8pm, before travelling to Walsall on Saturday, kick off is 3pm.

October 30, 2001 16:52

Gordon Law