The in-form Blues strengthened their grip on a standing inside the Championship play-off places with a 3-1 victory over the out-of-sorts Eagles at St Andrews.

Hughton's men, who sit fourth in the second tier, have now won their last three games by that scoreline.

First-half efforts from Chris Burke, Keith Fahey and David Murphy saw them to another three points on Saturday, and Hughton was delighted with the showing from his troops.

"I am very pleased with the result," he said.

"These sort of games are always going to be tough. Even at 3-0 I was aware that they went to Derby a few weeks ago and were 3-0 down and came back to 3-2 and certainly could have got something out of the game.

"I was certainly disappointed with the goal we conceded as it gave them the lift really we didn't need to give.

"Over the 90 minutes we certainly had to show both sides of our game and I thought we scored three excellent goals.

"Fahey's was the pick of the goals because that type of execution with the ball coming in, you have to wrap it across your body. For some it is easy but for most it is a tough skill and that is why it was an outstanding strike.

"Although it was a fine goal, I didn't think that was Fahey at his best. He has been out for a few games but he has had a really fine season."

Future

Palace could only muster a solitary replay from Owen Garvan and Freedman admits his side have areas they need to work on.

He said: "There are no excuses. You have to take it on the chin and get back to the clean sheets.

"They scored three fantastic goals - especially the second from Fahey. We lost concentration in that 15-minute spell but, to be fair to the lads, I felt we had as much possession as Birmingham."

Freedman, who has now seen Palace win only one of their last eight games, added: "I have got to move this club forward. One 15-minute bad performance is not going to shape our season or future.

"I think I have a lot to look forward to and I will not be too down with the results as the lads do not need it at this time.

"On the day you have to hold up your hands and say they were a bit stronger than us."