Francis can smile thanks to Akinbiyi

Crystal Palace manager Trevor Francis had two reasons to be smiling today.

Much-maligned striker Ade Akinbiyi had scored his first goal for the club moments after coming on as a substitute in last night's 4-1 at Barnsley.

And Palace had moved up to seventh place in Division One, only two points behind sixthplaced Coventry, who occupy the fourth and final promotion play-off place.

Francis said: "It's always pleasing to win away from home. It was a good response from our players after the defeat on Saturday."

The former Birmingham manager, whose side lost 1-0 to Sheffield United at Selhurst Park at the weekend, added: "The result has given us renewed hope because many supporters I'm sure felt our play-off chances had probably disappeared after Saturday's result."

Francis was pleased to see Akinbiyi, a £2.4million signing from Leicester, score.

He said: "It wasn't the best header you've ever seen but it went in the back of the net. His confidence has been dented so for him and Crystal Palace it was an important moment."

Dougie Freedman put Palace ahead in the 29th minute only for former Palace player Bruce Dyer to equalise just before half-time. Aki Riihilahti put Palace back in front in the 56th minute and further goals from Akinbiyi and Julian Gray wrapped up the points.

LAST NIGHT'S MATCHES
First Division table