Nicky Maynard stole victory for Bristol City at Ashton Gate - but the game will be remembered for a bizarre refereeing decision that cost Palace a legitimate first half goal.

Freddie Sears saw his perfectly good 33rd minute goal disallowed after the abysmal Rob Shoebridge ruled the ball had gone out for a goal kick when the ball had actually bounced off the netting framework after crossing the goal line.

And the south Londoners' misery was compounded in the final minute when Maynard capitalise on the a defensive mix-up to score the winner.

Palace's only change from Tuesday's League Cup win over Torquay was a surprising one, Sears returned from England U21 duty to replace Wigan and Spurs target Victor Moses.

And the shock omission seemed to buoy Gary Johnsons's men as City dominated the opening exchanges.

Jamie McCombe's header was blocked by teammate Bradley Orr, before Palace youngster Alessane N'Diaye was forced into a decent block from Maynard's goalbound strike in the 18th minute.

Alan Lee nearly made the home side pay for not capitalising on their early supremacy - but his firm header from Danny Butterfield's cross was superbly saved low down to his left by Dean Gerken in the 21st minute.

Maynard had another effort blocked - this time by Shaun Derry - four minutes later as Palace struggled to clear Jamie McAllister's corner.

Sproule forced Julian Speroni into the first save of the afternoon in the 32nd minute with a low shot after Palace gave the ball away in the midfield.

But then controversy struck in the 33rd minute after Palace inexplicably had a goal disallowed.

Sears cooly slotted home past Gerken after Speroni's long kick was nodded on by N'Diaye - with the ball bouncing off the netting stantion and back out of the goalmouth.

But somehow Shoebridge and his assistant Chris Knowles refused to give goal claiming the ball did not enter the goal - instead the pair awarded a goal kick.

Understandably, the decision left the Eagles camp - namely boss Neil Warnock - livid as the first-half somehow ended goalless.

Paddy McCarthty missed a glorious chance to open the scoring in the 48th minute sending his header off the surface and onto the bar from Darren Ambrose's corner.

Paul Hartley saw his effort rightfully ruled out for offside after the Scottish midfielder latched onto a rebound from John Akinde's shot in the 51st minute.

Derry then forced Gerken in to a top drawer save after his sweetly struck half-volley from 13 yards out in the 58th minute.

Ambrose watched his wicked right-foooted free kick deflected just wide of Gerken's far post in the 73rd minute as Palace started to dominate proceedings.

The away side, inspired by the first half injustice, continued to press in search of the winner - but McCarthy was forced into a superb block from Marvin Elliott's fierce strike in the 81st minute to keep the away side on level terms.

And Maynard completed a frustrating afternoon for Palace after McCarthy's attempted clearance fell straight to the striker who coolly slotted bast the stranded Speroni in the final minute.

The final whistle was greeted by unsavoury scenes as a livid Warnock refused to shake hands with Robins boss Johnson or any of the City players leading to a heated confrontation between the Eagles boss and defender Bradley Orr.