After the hype and furore ahead of Saturday's fixture,  the 2-1 defeat by Bristol City was anything but an expected outcome. Though, for Palace manager, Neil Warnock,it was a disappointing afternoon but one that sets up this Play-Off semi final with it all to play for:

"(I was) obviously disappointed that we conceded what was a fantastic goal. You have to take your hat off really because I don't think you could see a better goal than that. But, it is that type of goal that will beat 'Jules' (Speroni). I think he has done ever so well this season.

They scored two fantastic goals but I don't think with the first one, although it was a planned free-kick, it wasn't supposed to be him (Carey) who put it in - he hasn't scored for five years! But that is how it goes, you take your chances and you get the lead. We will go there as massive underdogs now. I don't think it has been done before. In the Play-Offs, it would make history if we turn the defecit around away from home. But that is what records are for aren't they? It makes another great challenge for us. "

Warnock has admitted that Bristol City were "better than us on Saturday", but when asked about the difference between the two sides the Palace manager pointed to the money they had spent in the transfer windows.

"I would say £2 million is the difference with what Gary (Johnson) has spent on (Lee) Trundle, (Dele) Adebola, (Michael) McIndoe and (Nick) Carle. When you have a good side and you have got the good players like he has, and he has had them for a few years, you can see that little bit extra there.

"We will have to spend a few quid just to brush up on the squad. But they have bought very carefully and very well and you wouldn't have thought that they have spent that kind of money, but they have. So, it shows that we are doing ever so well where we are but our next step is to try and bring three or four players, like they have, to supplement the squad that we have."

The introduction of James Scowcroft, returning from a hamstring injury, was a bitter sweet affair. Brought on in the 55th minute, the forward was stretchered off just six minutes later when the same injury flaired up.

"Well, as we talk, I have just written him off for the season. I haven't asked the physio so unless when he comes out and they say he is fit, I would not expect him to be available for the rest of the season."

"I think the whole squad will be what we had on Saturday. There is not much difference. Probably Kyel Reid will come into it as well but I can't see many other changes if I am honest. Lee Hill hurt his ankle in training last week so I think he will also be out for the rest of the season."

Finally, when asked about the confidence of his players ahead of the game, Warnock was confident that his side's fantastic away form this year will spur his players on:

"I don't think we fear playing anybody away from home. I don't know whether it it true but I think we have the best away record in the whole league regarding conceding goals. It is another great challenge for me and my players and we have got to stand up and be counted. It can only be a great experience for some of the youngsters because you don't get these sort of atmospheres and pressures from the normal league games. It can only hold them in good stead."