Kember gets dressing-room vote

Striker Dougie Freedman dedicated Crystal Palace's win at 10-man Blackpool to Steve Kember.

Freedman scored his 11th goal of the season from the penalty spot as Palace improved manager Kember's job prospects by reaching the last 16 of the Carling Cup with a 3-1 victory.

The Scottish player said the team's performance showed they were right behind Kember, whose side had managed only one win from their previous 12 games.

Freedman said: "Steve has the support of the dressingroom and you could tell that from the way we set about the game."

Andy Johnson scored Palace's other two goals, while John Murphy netted a late home consolation goal.

But Palace were certainly boosted by the 15th-minute dismissal of Blackpool goalkeeper Phil Barnes for handling outside the area.