Crystal Palace surrendered a lead as Tom Cleverley’s sublime volley gave Watford a 2-1 victory they deserved at Selhurst Park.

In a scrappy affair Criag Cathcart’s own goal gave Roy Hodgson’s side the lead at the break before redeeming himself in bringing the side’s level early in the second half.

Wilfred Zaha will rue his missed chance at 1-0 as Cleverley struck shortly after coming on to give Javi Garcia’s the points.

Palace rode their luck as early as the second minute. Gerard Deulofeu cleverly finding an opening only to see his effort hit the post and Pereyra to hit the rebound against the upright with Guaita scrambling across goal.

READ: Eze does it for Palace?

The remainder of the first half was a forgetful affair.

Will Hughes withdrawal through injury on 19 minutes seemingly putting both sides off their stride.

It was going to take a moment of magic or something very unfortunate to break the deadlock of this scrappy affair and sadly for Cathcart it was the latter.

Following a corner Watford failed to clear their lines and as it bobbled around the six-yard box Deulofeu’s attempted clearance thrashed off Cathcart leaving Ben Foster helpless as he was stranded on the goal line.

Palace started the second half brightly, Zaha in particular.

The forward, playing on his preferred left wing, picked the pocket of Cathcart near the half way but his tame effort was saved as Foster came out on top in the one v one.

Just as the home side looked to have a foot hold in the game Watford found themselves level on 67 minutes.

Cathcart popped up at the back post to header home a deep corner which stunned the home crowd.

There was minimal celebration from the centre-back as he redeemed himself for his early miss-hap.

With their tails up, Javi Garcia’s side deservedly took the lead minutes later, and what a goal to do it.

After some aerial ping-pong in the Palace box, the substitute lashed home a volley into the top corner which left Wayne Hennessey, on for the injured Vicente Guaita, rooted to the spot.

Palace looked to get back on level terms and introduced the fit again Christian Benteke and Jeffrey Schlupp.

Despite a couple of half chances, Hodgson’s men were unable to find the goal.