Neil Warnock praised his teams battling performance on a sweltering afternoon at Selhurst Park and warned the Bristol City players that they are not at Wembley yet.

"I think we had quite a few ups and downs today with injuries and things. But I am quite proud of the lads. I thought they fought back well under the circumstances and clawed the goal back."

After Ben Watson levelled the proceedings on the 87th minute following Louis Carey's 53rd minute strike, David Noble shocked Selhurst with a sensational 30-yard effort. A goal, which the Eagles boss found hard to swallow.

"I was disappointed in the manner that we conceded the goal at the death but I am not surprised really as the goal was fit for any Premiership game never mind the play-offs".

When that goal hit the back of the net the City bench jumped out onto the pitch and then proceeded to celebrate with their fans at the end of the game, a sight which Neil was not happy to see.

"Well I think you could see from the celebrations, the bench in particular, that they think they are already at Wembley".

"Football has a nasty habit at times and we did not like some of the celebrations if I am honest. But that is the other side of football."

Jamie Scowcroft's introduction to the game on the 55th minute only lasted six minutes after he aggravated the hamstring injury which had kept him out of the Eagles side for the last month.

But the Palace gaffer felt his younger players did not get much protection from the man in the middle.

"It was a kick in the teeth to lose him (Scowcroft) but I was more concerned with some of the other kicks, I don't think the younger lads got much protection."

With a full house expected at Ashton Gate on Tuesday, the Eagles boss is anticipating different conditions to those experienced today.

"We are expecting a nice evening at Ashton Gate with a lovely atmosphere it won't be as hot as this and we will see how it goes"