Trevor Francis was delighted with his third Palace win at rock-bottom Stockport and praised goal hero Dougie Freedman.

Freedman bagged his 16th goal of the season when he scored from 15 yards from substitute Jovan Kirovski's cross in the 67th minute for what proved to be the only goal of the game.

Francis said: "Dougie hit the ball so cleanly. It justified my team selections in playing him.

"He's been hampered by a hamstring injury for nearly a month, but you cannot dismiss a goalscorer with his record.

"He is a clever player and though he is not match-fit yet, he showed he can still finish in style."

County's veteran keeper Andy Dibble was in fine form to deny first-half efforts from Clinton Morrison, while Trevor Ben- jamin hit the post.

After the break, County hit the posts themselves and forced Alex Kolinko into some saves but Palace held on for a win that keeps the Eagles in the play-off hunt.

Francis added: "This was a pleasing win, as it was a hard game as they were battling for their lives. But once again our keeper was in excellent form and denied them on a couple of occasions.

"We've got 18 games left, ten of which are at home. Any team that can put a consistent run together can push for the play-offs.

"We had Craig Harrison, David Hopkin and Steven Thompson all missing, but this is a huge improvement on recent weeks which because of the injury list, the teams have virtually picked themselves.

"Hopefully, David and Steven should be available for the home match against Gillingham on Wednesday and this will mean for the first time since I have been manager I will have a near fully-fit squad."

On Saturday, Palace host Rotherham at Selhurst Park, kick off at 3pm.