November 22, 2000 9:51: Fulham and Watford might not be biting any nails just yet, but boss Alan Smith believes the skys the limit for his Eagles.

Two goals in the final 10 minutes earned Crystal Palace a

3-2 victory over Tranmere last Saturday their fourth win on the spin.

And afterwards a delighted Eagles boss purred: In all honesty, if we play like we did in the second half theres not many teams in the division who could live with us.

But Smith insisted simplicity was still the best policy for his men: When we try and play fancy-dan football were not very good.

The performances have to be more stable. I would like to see that consistency there from start to finish, he said.

Palace found themselves 2-1 down on Saturday after what Smith saw as a repeat of their disappointing early season form. Confusion in the Eagles rearguard allowed Jason Koumas to give the visitors the lead on 11 minutes.

The Rovers midfielder latched on to a floated ball before curling his shot around Aleksandrs Kolinko.

But a wonder goal from defender Steve Staunton put the Eagles on level terms three minutes later.

Tranmere keeper Joe Murphy hit the ball straight to the Irishman all of 45 yards out.

Staunton returned it with interest, chipping in over the head of the desperate Murphy.

But the visitors struck again on 26 minutes. Kolinko made a point blank save from Wayne Allisons header only to see Clint Hill fire home the rebound from six yards.

Palace came out for the second half with all guns blazing, most of their best chances coming in a crazy one minute spell. Dougie Freedman, Jamie Pollock and Staunton all had shots blocked on the line in a 67th minute scramble.

Pollock grabbed a deserved equaliser, smashing home a 15 yard volley with seven minutes remaining, and Clinton Morrison completed a stunning victory two minutes later.

The Palace young gun struck his ninth goal of the season after Murphy had parried a Hayden Mullins header.

Stauntons stunner took all the plaudits from the Eagles boss.

It was unbelievable, one of the best goals I have ever seen, he said. Had it been scored in the Premiership, it would be replayed every week.

From the moment it left his foot it was going in the net.