Popovic pops up to score

The Australian international met a 71st minute cross by new signing Joonas Kolkka to send a looping header goalwards that somehow found the net through a packed penalty area.

Striker Gareth Williams swiped at the ball inside the six-yard box but even though he missed, it was enough to distract Sporting's second choice keeper Tiago from making a simple save.

Starting the move was Finnish international Joonas Kolkka, who picked out Popovic with a long cross from the left wing.

Just 5,873 fans turned out to watch a disappointing game, which Sporting, even without their star players, dominated for long periods.

Internationals Rui Jorge, Beto and goalkeeper Ricardo all found themselves warming the bench, and their deputies including on-loan midfielder Hugo Viana were unable to beat the impressive Julian Speroni in goal.

Newcastle United's £8.5million misfit Viana, on loan at the club which sold him two years ago, played well but was let down by his finishing, blasting over on several occasions.

Brazilian striker Tinga should have scored in the 25th minute following a superb run and low cross from Douala, who gave Gary Borrowdale a torrid time.

But Dowie's young side weathered the storm and came alive just before the break.

Ben Watson's neat turn and shot on 40 minutes only needed a touch from stand-in Palace captain Danny Butterfield to open the scoring.

The second half saw Palace's fitness tell.

Williams should have put Palace ahead moments after the restart when Freedman picked him out unmarked by the penalty spot.

Black could have doubled Palace's advantage in the dying moments when he met Kolkka's cross with a stinging volley, but it was saved by the feet of the busy Tiago.

Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, Borrowdale, Powell (Popovic 46), Boyce (Togwell 71), Derry (Hughes 63), Watson (Riihilahti 67), Routledge (Williams 46), Freedman (Soares 71), Black, Kolkka.Not used: Berthelin.