Crystal Palace 1-0 Birmingham City

Crystal Palace moved to within two points of the playoffs with a 1-0 victory over Birmingham at Selhurst Park tonight.

Promising youngster Nathan Redmond started for the Blues after impressing in their Europa League victory over Maribor last week and he came closest to giving the visitors the lead.

The 17-year-old winger cut inside from the left before firing a low shot at the Eagles goal, which was turned round the post by Julian Speroni.

Mile Jedinak had the home side's best first-half effort but Boaz Myhill did well to save his powerful half-volley.

Palace then threatened from a succession of set pieces, with Myhill again denying Jedinak after the Australian headed goalwards.

Centre-half Paddy McCarthy also went close when his headed effort rebounded off the woodwork before Jermain Easter forced Myhill into a save at his near post.

Kagisho Dikgacoi's late header from Darren Ambrose's cross finally broke the stalemate for the Eagles after the two sides remained deadlocked for 84 minutes.

Dougie Freedman's side now sit eighth in the Championship table, two points behind Leeds, while Birmingham remain in 14th place.