A WASTEFUL Crystal Palace increased their winless streak to four games and damaged their automatic promotion prospects with a 0-0 draw against a poor Barnsley side at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles dominated the match, but failed to take advantage of their clear goal-scoring opportunities as a lack of composure from strikers Glen Murray and Aaron Wilbraham proved costly for Ian Holloway’s men.

In a scrappy start devoid of chances, Palace worked hard to put pressure on the visitors with the best opportunity of the half falling to Murray on 30 minutes.

The striker raced through on the right hand side of the Barnsley area, only to shoot from close range straight at out-rushing Tykes keeper Luke Steele.

It was a surprising lack of conviction from Murray, who has already netted 29 league goals this season.

The home side’s momentum grew as the half went on, with the tricky footwork and mazy runs of Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie causing constant problems for the Barnsley defence.

Bolasie showed his prowess for shooting as well as step overs when his curling shot caused Steele to scramble across his goal and push the strike away from the top left corner on 35 minutes.

It was a tough game for the Tykes who battled hard but lacked creativity, producing only two shots in the opening 45 minutes, neither of which were on target.

Palace picked up from where they left off in the second half with Zaha again proving integral to their attacking play.

The young winger displayed why there is so much excitement about his talent, beating players and providing opportunities for his team-mates throughout the latter stages of the second half.

With time ticking away, Eagles boss Holloway brought on strikers Kevin Phillips and Wilbraham in an effort to break the deadlock, but neither had the desired effect.

Wilbraham wasted a great chance for the home side in the last minute when he blasted a low Zaha cross over the bar from 10 yards.

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Crystal Palace: Speroni, Ward, Delaney, Ramage, Parr, Bolasie (Dobbie 77), Jedinak, Williams, Moritz (Phillips 64), Zaha, Murray (Wilbraham 80). Subs not used: Price, Gabbidon, Richards, Marrow.