Schlupp's Crystal Palace move out of relegation zone

Ghanaian defender Jeffrey Schlupp played the final 28 minutes as his Crystal Palace side escaped the relegation zone on Saturday in the English Premier League.

Palace claimed a massive three points in their fight for survival with a 2-0 triumph at West Bromwich Albion.

Manager Sam Allardyce saw off Baggies rival Tony Pulis to record his second successive league victory to move Palace out of the relegation zone.

Palace produced the only attempt on goal in a cagey first half when Christian Benteke's header from a corner was cleared on the line by Chris Brunt.

The Eagles were edging a tight contest and netted a deserved goal in the 55th minute through Wilfried Zaha. Yohan Cabaye's pinpoint cross-field pass found the winger on the left and he controlled on his chest before smashing home.

Patrick van Aanholt was stretchered off just past the hour-mark after landing awkwardly, with Jeffrey Schlupp replacing him at left-back.

Schlupp lasted 28 minutes in the clash and was tidy and efficient in his defensive duties.

Home keeper Ben Foster came to West Brom's rescue with a brilliant block to deny Andros Townsend from Luka Milivojevic's slide-rule pass.

Townsend finally got on the score-sheet in the 84th minute for his second goal in an Eagles shirt. The England man took possession inside his own half and surged down almost the entire length of the pitch, twisting past Craig Dawson before lashing into the net.