AMBROSE HAPPY TO FEED ON SCRAPS; CHAMPIONSHIP.

Byline: OLIVER PICKUP

CRYSTAL PALACE 1 DERBY COUNTY 0 DARREN AMBROSE put a smile back on Neil Warnock's face after the Palace boss had been left fuming by Tuesday's late call-off at Loftus Road.

Ambrose bagged his fifth goal of the season to clinch a scrappy win.

And after the previous weekend's 4-0 drubbing by Scunthorpe and the midweek clash at QPR falling victim to a waterlogged pitch, Eagles boss Warnock praised his players' attitude.

"The lads gave it absolutely everything and I'm proud as punch with them," he said. "Derby were very fortunate not to leave here having been beaten heavily.

"We couldn't have had a worse midweek with QPR being called off when we arrived. It was a debacle, and that's being kind."

Palace had a slice of luck when, with 19 minutes gone, keeper Julian Speroni handled outside the box. Referee Michael Oliver decided on a yellow card rather than a red, Speroni stayed on and went on to make two excellent second-half saves.

But fuming Rams boss Nigel Clough said: "The goalkeeper handled it outside of the box intentionally. I think it was a goal-scoring opportunity, the referee obviously didn't. We're less than impressed."

After a cagey 54 minutes Palace skipper Shaun Derry, playing his 500th game, headed through for Ambrose, who coolly finished from 10 yards.

But Palace could not put the game to bed and very nearly paid the price. Rob Hulse's point-blank header was blocked by Speroni who also saved superbly from Kris Commons.

A trip to leaders West Brom is next for Palace, but Warnock said: "I'm not bothered as there will be no pressure at all because everyone expects us to be beaten.

"I will sleep well this week."

CAPTION(S):

FIVE ALIVE Ambrose netted his fifth of season