Paul Hart believes tonight's 3-1 win over relegation rivals Watford can be the springboard for Crystal Palace's escape from the Championship relegation zone.

Stern John, Sean Scannell and Neil Danns scored the goals though the Eagles had Lee Hills sent off late on to leave Hart with just three defenders for Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough.

Watford hit the woodwork twice in the first half when they dominated Palace and again in the second before Danny Graham scored a consolation.

Though the win was not enough to lift Palace out of the relegation zone, they are now just a point behind the Hornets and two behind Sheffield Wednesday.

“We had to win this game,” said Hart.

“If we hadn't it would have looked pretty bad though there are six games to go and it is who can hold their nerve.

“You cannot think too much about it, there is going to be a lot of twists and turns and those positions may be the same at the end of the season but probably not through experience.

“The first half they put us under enormous pressure and played extremely well and we were a little bit lucky, but over the past few weeks I think we have earned some luck.

“We had a little chat at half time and I said we had to get on the front foot a bit more and we were a different side second half.

“We got chances and we finished them off which is a nice change.”

It was the second bit of good new for Palace in the space of a few hours after the CPFC 2010 Consortium were confirmed as the preferred bidders for the club and were beginning negotiations for Palace and Selhurst Park.

“That was an equally important bit of news,” said Hart.

“Hopefully it reaches a completion and I think it is great news for the club, players and supporters.

“I'm sure it helped the players as it's been very unsettling this year.”