Crystal Palace 2 - Hull City 1

Palace took control through Darren Ward and a Leon Cort own-goal before Jon Parkin pulled one back for Hull at the KC Stadium. Dowie was without several first-choice stars and admitted he was delighted with his side' commitment.

After City conceded two sloppy goals, debutant Jon Parkin's strike proved to be nothing more than a consolation. In the 9th minute, Darren Ward pounced to score the rebound after Boaz Myhill made an outstanding parry.

City let in a second in the 24th minute, Leon Cort turning a low cross from Palace's right into his own net. Parkin, who was favoured to Darryl Duffy to start the match, pulled one back a minute later, controlling a ball into the box before finishing from close range.

City failed to penetrate Gabor Kiraly's goal any further though despite having a decent amount of possession for the rest of the match.