Paddy McCarthy was sent off, but Peterborough United could not make their numerical advantage count as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at London Road, leaving Darren Ferguson's men still searching for their first Championship win.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson handed Lee Frecklington his first league start this season for the visit of Crystal Palace, with Tom Williams also coming back into the starting line-up after a short spell on the sidelines with a groin strain.

Darren Ambrose saw a fierce free-kick parried by Joe Lewis on eight minutes after Martin was penalised for a foul on Neil Danns.

Shaun Batt was close to reaching an excellent cross from George Boyd, before Ambrose tried his luck again with a free-kick, this time Lewis was not troubled as the effort went wide of the target.

Alan Lee glanced a header wide of the target on 20 minutes after a good cross from Hill.

Lee then curled a shot wide after a sharp turn after Batt's clearance fell invitingly for the former Ipwich Town front man.

Williams curled a free kick over the crossbar on 28 minutes after a foul on Mclean by McCarthy, who was cautioned by referee Keith Friend.

Neil Danns volleyed over the crossbar a minute later after a corner was only half-cleared, but clear-cut opportunities were certainly at a premium and when Martin sustained a head injury, it was a good chance for both manager's to have a chat to their players by the dugouts.

A superb run from Batt lifted the home crowd as he burst past two defenders and sent a dangerous cross into the box, which was cleared for a goal-kick. Mackail-Smith then turned McCarthy, but his low shot was comfortably claimed by goalkeeper Speroni.

Half-time: Posh 0-0 Crystal Palace

Neither side made any changes at the interval, but it was Palace who made most of the early running in the second period, winning several free-kicks although none of them came to anything.

Boyd was cautioned for a cynical foul on Danny Butterfield seven minutes into the second half after losing possession by the touchline but moments later, Posh were in front.

It was a glorious build-up from the hosts with Mclean's perfect lay-off finding Boyd, he looked up, picked out BATT in space on the right, the winger raced towards goal and arrowed a low shot past Speroni and into the back of the net.

Lewis then made a good save to deny Alan Lee's powerful header as the Eagles made progress down the left hand side. Danns was then denied by the Posh goalkeeper as the visitors made a spirited response.

Frecklington, who scored a great goal in the win over Ipswich Town last week, fired wide on 57 minutes and the game certainly had a cup-tie flavour, not for the first time this season.

The equaliser for the visitors arrived on 63 minutes and although scrappy, it could have been prevented as Palace were afforded two free headers in the box from a corner and when the ball ran loose, LEE stabbed the ball over the goal-line to his obvious delight.

A great piece of individual skill from substitute Tommy Rowe created a crossing opportunity for Mackail-Smith, but he fired it across goal, out of the reach of strike partner Mclean.

For his upteenth foul and ultimately second booking, McCarthy was shown a red card by referee Mr Friend and Palace were forced to play the remaining quarter of the game with 10-men.

Gabriel Zakuani headed over from close-range after Posh worked the short corner to good effect, but would Ferguson's men be able to break down this determined Palace rearguard again?

Substitute Smith nearly caught out Lewis with a low shot from 25-yards, but thankfully for Posh, it rolled inches wide of the target.

Substitute Charlie Lee nearly scored within 10 seconds of coming on as he met a Coutts corner kick, but he powered his header over the crossbar.

Four minutes of stoppage time was indicated by the fourth official and Posh won a corner in the first minute after some trickery from Boyd.

Final Score: Posh 1-1 Crystal Palace

Posh: Lewis, Martin, Williams (sub Lee 82min), Morgan, Zakuani, Boyd, Diagouraga (sub Coutts 65min), Frecklington, Batt (sub Rowe 68min), Mclean, Mackail-Smith. Unused subs: McKeown,Keates,Pearce, Green.

Palace: Speroni, Hill, Derry, McCarthy, Fonte, Ambrose (sub Smith 67min), Danns, Sears (sub Lawrence 75min), Lee, Butterfield, N'Diaye (sub Moses 67min). Subs: Clyne, Carle, Flahavan, Scannell.

Attendance: 8,473 (1,158 Palace fans)