Football: JACKSON IS PALACE WRECKER PREMplus

KIT SYMONS insisted he should still be given the Palace manager's job full-time despite seeing his side throw away a much-needed victory in injury time.

Palace looked set for just their second home win since August when Rob Edwards, on loan from Aston Villa, scored on his home debut after nine minutes.

But Coventry substitute Johnnie Jackson copied Edwards by scoring on his debut at the death, having joined on loan from Spurs last week.

Symons has just a week left in his caretaker role after the sacking of Steve Kember, and Palace are unbeaten in his time.

Symons said: "I have no indication yet whether I will be given the job.

"I am very keen to do it and convinced that I can. We are unbeaten and have conceded only two goals in the four games I have been in charge. It would be disappointing not to get it."

Edwards showed his Premiership quality on nine minutes when he rose at the back post to head in Tommy Black's corner.

The hosts looked in complete control and only had themselves to blame for not having the points wrapped up by half-time.

Black was twice found free in the area in the space of a minute, but saw both shots turned away by keeper Gavin Ward.

Dougie Freedman then played in Shaun Derry, but after running clear of the Coventry defence he scuffed his shot wide.

The game turned on an injury to player-manager Gary McAllister, who was replaced by Jackson after 43 minutes. He seemed to inspire his team-mates.

And the 21-year-old midfielder was in the right place in injury time when he drilled home at the far post after being found by a Craig Pead cross.

MAN OF THE MATCH JOHNNIE JACKSON

His introduction changed the game.

PALACE: Myhre 6, Fleming 6, Popovic 7, Edwards 8, Borrowdale 6, Butterfield 6, Hughes 6 (Watson 5), Derry 5, Black 7, Freedman 6, Johnson 6 (Routledge 6).

COVENTRY: Ward 7, Pead 6, Konjic 6, Davenport 6, Warnock 6, Safri 6, Doyle 6, McAllister 5 (JACKSON 8), Adebola 5 (Suffo 6), Morrell 6 (Staunton 5), Joachim 5.

MANAGERS: Symons 6, McAllister 6.

REFEREE: M Warren 7.

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