With a new manager still to be unveiled and a portion of a nearby road collapsing before kick off, the omens weren’t good for a Palace side who seem to be going down quicker than a pint of bitter at the local Pawson’s Arms.

But caretaker manager Keith Millen certainly seems to have instilled a sense of London pride as his team put in a battling performance against an Everton team enjoying a flying start to the season under the stewardship of Roberto Martinez.

In an evenly matched contest, gilt-edged chances were few and far between with Palace’s Jerome Thomas probably coming closest in the 53rd minute when he found himself clear and narrowly chipped wide of Tim Howard in the Everton goal.

For The Toffees, both central defenders missed close-range headers on 77 minutes, first Phil Jagielka hitting the bar then Sylvain Distin nodding over.

It was as close as either team got all game although Everton did lay siege to the Eagles’ goal in the closing five minutes, but for once this season the home side’s defence held strong and they thoroughly deserved their point.

The home fans celebrated the draw like a victory and it gives the incoming manager, with Aitor Karanka and Chris Coleman the favourites, just a glimmer of hope in his new role.