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Sam Allardyce: Two-week break paid dividends for Crystal Palace in win

Sam Allardyce believes Crystal Palace's improved performance in their 1-0 defeat of Middlesbrough was due to the fortnight's break they have had from their relegation battle.

They demonstrated increased resilience and belief as Patrick van Aanholt's first-half goal secured the three vital points that took them out of the drop zone and up to 17th in the Premier League.

Their elimination from the FA Cup earlier in the season gave them a break last weekend and two weeks to prepare for Middlesbrough.

Allardyce had previously overseen a disappointing and demanding run of fixtures since his appointment as manager in December, but their improvement at Selhurst Park suggested his influence is finally being felt.