Dwight Gayle of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring their third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Burnley and Crystal Palace at Turf Moor on January 17, 2015 © Getty Images

Ben Mee nodded the hosts in front after 13 minutes with Julian Speroni bamboozled by Scott Arfield's deep corner.

Danny Ings made it 2-0 just four minutes later with a cool finish to leave Palace reeling.

Danny Ings of Burnley celebrates scoring their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Burnley and Crystal Palace at Turf Moor on January 17, 2015 © Getty Images

Gayle almost grabbed a goal back for the visitors in the 20th minute, but his low drive from the edge of the box dribbled just wide.

Nonetheless, the forward did reduce the arrears after 28 minutes as he slotted a loose ball home after James McArthur's initial effort was saved by Tom Heaton.

McArthur came close once more on the stroke of half time with a low drive, but Heaton got down well to deny the midfielder.

The second half was just three minutes old when Palace drew back on level terms through Jason Puncheon, who advanced into space on the edge of the box and bent an effort beyond the sprawling Heaton.

Yaya Sanogo almost grabbed a debut goal for the visitors after an hour, but he couldn't react quickly enough to latch on to Gayle's free kick.

Michael Keane saw his shot cleared off the line by McArthur before Glenn Murray's controlled volley from the edge of the box rattled the post at the other end as it looked like the game would end in a draw.

However, Gayle guided home Puncheon's cross with two minutes remaining to give Pardew his third win in as many games as Palace manager.