Ipswich, beaten in the play-offs for the last three seasons, maintained the pressure with this win and can live in hope that City start to crack, beginning against Birmingham on Friday.

Crystal Palace, who needed a win to guarantee their safety, proved dogged opponents and the final whistle was greeted with huge relief.

The goal that raised morale came in the 26th minute from Johnson, the home side's main scoring threat in the continued absence of injured record signing Marcus Stewart.

Johnson ran on to Wayne Brown's long diagonal pass and, in one movement, chested the ball down, turned inside Jamie Smith and shot into the bottom corner.

Ipswich had created pressure by manoeuvring the ball around Palace's three central defenders and aiming for the flanks. From one such move, Johnson linked with Fabian Wilmis on the right before the midfielder laid the ball inside for Jim Magilton to shoot just over from 20 yards.

In a move similar to that which brought the goal, Johnson was robbed by Andy Linighan, whose clearance ricocheted off Smith and into the grateful hands of goalkeeper Matt Gregg.

Falling behind had invigorated Palace and their first shot on goal came shortly afterwards when Ashley Cole fired into the side-netting.

Four minutes from half-time they came even closer. Clinton Morrison turned past Brown but saw his shot slip inches wide of the post.

Palace were fortunate not to concede a penalty just before the break. Smith's tackle from behind on Jamie Scowcroft looked punishable but the defender's glancing touch on the ball persuaded the referee otherwise.

Home frustrations increased in the second half as Palace continued to thwart Ipswich's search for a calming second goal.

Johnson was booked for a petulant kick at Smith, while Martijn Reuser cursed the lack of control that saw him waste a good opening from Scowcroft's high pass.

It was almost far worse for the agitated home fans in the 68th minute. A flick-on put Cole clear and several thousand hearts were in mouths as his shot was tipped away by Richard Wright.

Ipswich at least finished by showing some hint of Premiership quality as they pounded the Palace defence. Matt Holland's inviting cross was headed just over by Johnson and then the striker crossed for Magilton to head straight at Gregg.

Daily Telegraph