April 30 2016

Yohan Cabaye struck a poor penalty against old club Newcastle

It was an unhappy return to Newcastle United for Alan Pardew as Crystal Palace were defeated 1-0.

Andros Townsend's stunning free-kick helped secure a massive three points for struggling Newcastle as they battle relegation.

The Eagles were given a brilliant chance to level the scores after Moussa Sissoko handled in the area but former Magpie Yohan Cabaye's awful penalty was saved by keeper Karl Darlow.

Pardew's men were the better side in the first half with tricky winger Yannick Bolasie causing the Magpies all kind of trouble. He went close to opening the scoring with a rocket from long range and then forced Darlow into a decent save on the volley. And the Magpies stopper, who was named man of the match, later pushed out a Cabaye effort.

Hennessey, for once, was alert to keep out Chancel Mbemba's shot from 40 yards, which was the only time he was really tested in the first half.

Newcastle emerged from the tunnel a different team after a Rafa Benitez rollicking and they took the lead in the 58th minute. Scott Dann gave away a very innocuous foul outside the box and Townsend curled the resulting free-kick brilliantly into the top left corner.

With 20 minutes to go, Palace were handed a chance back into the game when they were awarded a penalty. However Cabaye, knowing the goal would send his former club towards relegation, struck a weak spot kick at a good height for keeper Darlow to save.

Victory for Newcastle moved them out of the relegation zone while Palace still await a league win on the road in 2016 and need to improve fast if they are to beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

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