Crystal Palace 1-1 Southampton

JAMES Scowcroft believes Saturday's draw with Southampton at Selhurst Park was a case of two points dropped for play-off hopefuls Crystal Palace.

The Eagles looked to be on their way to victory when the striker fired them ahead on 73 minutes after shaking off a challenge from former Palace defender Darren Powell.

Ben Watson was denied twice by the woodwork as the Eagles upped the tempo in search of a decisive second goal.

Palace paid the price three minutes from time when Shaun Derry gave away possession to Andrew Surman and his low cross to the far post was converted by Stern John.

Ipswich's victory at Sheffield Wednesday sees Neil Warnock's side slip out of the play-off places and Scowcroft admitted the Palace squad were deflated by the outcome.

He said: "I think it was very competitive like all Championship games and there wasn't a great deal between the two sides.

"It feels like we've lost two points and it is a very disappointed dressing room.

"We were looking to win the game, so obviously we are disappointed but I think we gave our all.

"There was a crucial part of the game after we went 1-0 up and then we had a couple of chances when we hit the post twice and obviously a second goal would have killed them off."

Despite the setback, Scowcroft remains confident the Eagles can last the distance and will be involved in the race for promotion to the top flight.

He said: "We've done well and got ourselves in a position where we are challenging.

"There is still a third of the season to go and it is up to us now to hang in there until the end of April and early May and who knows."

Friday night's derby meeting at The Valley against Charlton is next on the agenda and Scowcroft is looking forward to what should be a hard fought and intriguing clash.

"It's a big game because Charlton are in a similar position to us and it would be a great game for us to win," he explained.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Halls, Lawrence, Hudson, Hill, Scannell (Moses 88), Derry, Watson, Soares (Danns 64), Scowcroft, Morrison (Freedman 64). Subs not used: Kuqi, Hills. Att: 17,967