Crystal Palace 0-1 Bristol City
Adam Baker reports from Selhurst Park

Chris Iwelumo's 73rd minute volley earned City their first away win of 2010 and a league double over Crystal Palace.

The on-loan Wolves striker bagged his second goal in City colours to earn a vital third away win of the season for Gary Johnson's men at Selhurst Park.

It was a determined performance by the visitors, who were in charge for much of the game.

City's only change from their disappointing 5-2 defeat to Doncaster a few days earlier saw Paul Hartley restored to midfield in place of Danny Haynes. City went with a 4-3-3 formation to try and tighten up at the back.

But on the flipside City looked a stronger outfit going forwards and also dealt with anything that came their way at the back.

Paul Hartley skips around ex-City midfielder Nick Carle

The first shot on target came from Bradley Orr on seven minutes. Clearly boosted by netting a brace for City in the Doncaster clash, the defender took aim from distance after receiving a knockdown from Iwelumo but his swerving effort was held by Julian Speroni.

Palace were calling for a penalty when Johnny Ertl's close range shot was blocked by City skipper Louis Carey. Claims for a handball were quickly turned down by referee Mick Russell, despite vociferous appeals.

Carey took advantage of space in the opposition half to run 20 yards goalwards and shoot narrowly wide from the edge of the box on 22 minutes.

As the half wore on Iwelumo volleyed over from a good position after being picked out by Lee Johnson's cutback and at the other end Calvin Andrew's deflected shot was comfortably saved by Dean Gerken.

Lewin Nyatanga feels the force of Alan Lee's challenge

City survived a big let off soon after half-time when Darren Ambrose's clipped free kick was headed back across goal by Alan Lee and inches wide of the far post.

On the hour Hartley's ball into the box was hooked back towards the penalty spot by Orr to where Cole Skuse was waiting. The midfielder fired goalwards first time but couldn't beat the impressive block of Clint Hill.

City continued to press as Jamal Campbell-Ryce pulled the ball back towards Orr on the edge of the box and his shot was plucked out of the air by Speroni.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce battles with Danny Butterfield

The crucial goal came out of nothing from a flash of Iwelumo brilliance. Liam Fontaine's throw-in wasn't dealt with by three Palace defenders and as the trio waited for the ball to drop Iwelumo pounced with a volley over Speroni with his back to goal for 1-0.

Palace attempted to respond but Gerken cleared well with his feet when Andrew sent a dangerous cross towards the near post.

There were late chances for Campbell-Ryce and Maynard but, most importantly, nothing for Palace as City ran down the clock to a much-needed three points.