Crystal Palace’s winless run extended to six games as they drew 1-1 with Ipswich Town at Selhurst Park.

Chris Martin had put the Eagles ahead in the first half but Jason Scotland’s spectacular strike ensured the two mid-table sides shared the points.

It was a better performance than of late for Palace but they struggled to create chances in the second half as the game sizzled out and both sides settled for a point.

Ipswich started the better as Julian Speroni saved a bobbling Grant Leadbitter shot and the same player hit a ferocious free kick just wide of the post.

Darren Ambrose then wasted a glorious chance to put Palace ahead when Wilfried Zaha’s reverse pass put him through on goal but Arran Lee-Barnett came out quickly to smother his shot.

Scotland was causing Palace problems as he found space in the box, forcing Speroni into one save and dragging another shot past the post before Palace took the lead.

Nathaniel Clyne surged forward on the right, played the ball to Sean Scannell whose cheeky back heel put the right-back through on goal and he unselfishly squared to Martin to slot home.

It was a beautiful move that epitomised why Clyne is so highly rated and destined to leave for the Premiership in the summer.

Palace started to ooze confidence after that and Zaha was unlucky not to see someone on the end of his drilled cross in first half injury time.

The second half was devoid of entertainment until Scotland popped up with an all too easy equaliser on 59 minutes.

The veteran cut inside Clyne and allowed the time to line up a fierce shot that arrowed into the far corner from 20 yards.

Lee Martin’s shot hit the post after a deflection off Owen Garvan and Scannell shot just wide in the only other action of note.

Palace’s promising season continues to head toward a damp end and they go Portsmouth on Tuesday to face a side that has to win to avoid Championship relegation.