Crystal Palace have moved three points further away from the relegation zone courtesy of a 1-0 home win over Hull City.
Jason Puncheon delivered the only goal of the game as Tony Pulis' Eagles made it two victories in a row to move four points clear of the Premier League drop zone.
Palace were fortunate to get their goal when they did as it came moments after Tigers signing Shane Long was brought down in the area by Danny Gabbidon only for referee Roger East to wave away the protests much to the bewilderment of visiting manager Steve Bruce.
Nevertheless, on-loan Southampton winger Puncheon was able to prod home in the 16th minute on the second attempt after his initial header from Yannick Bolasie's cross bounced back off teammate Marouane Chamakh. It was his third goal in his past four league outings with all of them leading to vital points for Palace.
Hull had chances in the second half through Jake Livermore, Long and Liam Rosenior but were unable to breach the Eagles defence as the south Londoners notched up a fifth league win since taking over at Selhurst Park in late November.
2013/14 Barclays Premier League season scores
Crystal Palace: 1 (Jason Puncheon 16') Hull City: 0 Selhurst Park, London - 22,519
