Crystal Palace and Portsmouth played out a dire goalless draw at Selhurst Park.

Pompey, though, were almost gifted a dream start with just two minutes gone when home goalkeeper Matt Clarke horribly sliced a backpass.

Thankfully for Clarke, who picked the ball out of his net five times at Grimsby on Saturday, the ball spun past the post and out for a corner.

Gradually Palace took control of the game, with Portsmouth missing the midfield promptings of injured Croatian international Robert Prosinecki.

Tommy Black, recalled to the starting line-up, had the hosts' first chance of note after 17 minutes - but steered the ball wide from just six yards out.

Four minutes later, Clinton Morrison tried his luck from the edge of the area, but Dave Beasant was equal to the effort.

As half-time approached, Morrison's strike partner Dougie Freedman also went close from similar range.

The second half began as the first finished, with Palace on top.

Aki Riihilahti had the first of three quick chances for the hosts soon after the restart.

The Finland international found himself with just veteran Beasant to beat from six yards, but the former England international was equal to it.

Danny Granville then warmed Beasant's hands from the edge of the area before Julian Gray also tried his luck from distance.

It was not until the 75th minute that Portsmouth mustered their first decent effort on goal, Peter Crouch's volley comfortably dealt with by Clarke.

Both sides looked out of sorts and despite Palace's Shaun Murphy going close as the final whistle approached, neither were good enough to break the deadlock in an instantly forgettable game.

Teams

Crystal Palace: Clarke, Mullins, Austin, Murphy, Granville, Fleming (Smith 28), Gray (Akinbiyi 78), Riihilahti, Black, Freedman, Morrison.

Subs Not Used: Kolinko, Thomson, Kirovski.

Booked: Granville.

Portsmouth: Beasant, Waterman, Primus, Derry, Vincent, Buxton, Quashie, Pitt (Brady 72), Curtis, Crouch, Cooper (Barrett 83).

Subs Not Used: Tardif, Vine, Biagini.

Booked: Quashie, Buxton.

Att: 15,915

Ref: P Joslin (Newark, Notts).