PAlace caretaker boss Steve Kember praised the performance of his players, despite losing 2-1 to Preston at Deepdale.
The Eagles took the lead through Dougie Freedman, only for Preston to go on and win the game in the second half.
Kember said: "I was happy to see the players come in for the break with a lead, which I admit was slightly fortunate.
"But, at the same time, it must be noticed how the team gave a very professional display in soaking up their pressure.
"After their equaliser there was a long period of the match which was dominated by ourselves and if any team was going to score, it was sure to be us."
Freedman got the opener against the run of play in the 16th minute. Tommy Black's long pass flicked off the head of a Preston defender into the path of the Scottish international, who kept his cool to slot home.
Before this, Preston had twice hit the woodwork and got a deserved equaliser in the 51st minute when Cresswell headed Graham Alexander's free-kick.
Preston got their winner through an Alexander penalty when Richard Cresswell was brought down by Matt Clarke in the box.
Kember added: "All credit to my side at the way in which we reacted to them getting themselves back in the match.
"The game was obviously decided by the penalty which was tough to concede
November 27, 2001 11:53
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