Brown's replacement Bartram was immediately called into action twice saving from Dougie Freedman efforts.

BBC: Palace peg back Gills

And striker Dougie Freedman almost found the back of the net with a powerful volley that drifted inches wide.

BBC: Preston 1-2 C Palace

Saddlers goalkeeper James Walker, making his 400th appearance for the club, had to be on his toes to keep out a Dougie Freedman volley after 12 minutes.

BBC: Walsall 3-4 C Palace

Dougie Freedman had looked to have sparked the great escape when he came off the bench to score the equaliser, his first league goal of the season.

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