CRYSTAL Palace manager George Burley enjoyed a winning start to the season as his new-look Eagles side beat Leicester City 3-2 in a tense game at Selhurst Park.

Palace raced into a three-goal lead in the first half with goals from Wilfred Zaha, Darren Ambrose and Alan Lee.

But they almost threw away all three points when an Andy King goal, followed by a late DJ Campbell second, set up a nervy finish for the Eagles faithful.

Despite the second half collapse, the Palace chief was just happy to get back to winning ways after a season of administration struggles and off-field turmoil.

He said: “It was a fabulous day for the fans.

“It was such a tough season last season with the club going into administration and the fans played a big part in saving the club.

“Leicester are a top class side.

“They were in the play-offs last season and they have a lot of experienced, quality players, so I knew they were going to put us under pressure.

“We have formed a side that have virtually never played together.

“Julian Bennett arrived on Friday and Owen Garvan hadn’t trained with us at all.

“I know we have got a long way to go but when you come off the field against a team like Leicester and get the three points, then it speaks volumes about the experienced players, the youngsters and the club in general.”

Burley would have raised a few eyebrows when he handed a starting place to 17-year-old Zaha but the gamble paid off when the youngster opened the scoring when he latched onto defensive mistake to lob Chris Weale.

It appears the manager may have unearthed another talented prospect and Burley explained exactly why he opted for the newest academy starlet.

The boss said: “He scores goals, he can take players on, he’s quick and sharp, he is going to be a big prospect.

“The boy has got to keep working at it, he has got to keep improving.

“He was given the opportunity today and he certainly didn’t let anybody down, so I’m pretty pleased with him.

“But that is his first start and if anything, you have got to keep an eye on young players and see them develop, which is what I enjoy doing.

“We have to produce good players and bring them through and we will look to continue to do that.”

The new consortium were welcomed on to the pitch before the game to a rapture of applause from an extremely grateful Selhurst Park crowd and despite the new found optimism around SE25, Burley knows he has a lot of work ahead of him.

However, it is a challenge he is very much enjoying.

He said: “We have a new consortium who are Palace fans, so it is great.

“But as we know, it is going to be tough and we are not the finished team.

“We have got things to improve on but I thought the spirit was magnificent.”

Burley added: “We will get better and the spirit is there, which is very important, and the youngsters will get better as well.

“We have got 10 players over 21 in the whole squad, so we looking to add to it.

“Someone asked me if I enjoyed my first game. I enjoyed my first training session and the players have really responded.

“I have always enjoyed being on the training ground working with young players and trying to form a team.

“There is a nice feeling about the place and I have really enjoyed it so far. It is great to be back.”