Neil Warnock admitted he struggled to speak to his Crystal Palace players after an emotional victory over his former club Sheffield United.James Scowcroft netted the only goal of a tight Championship contest at Bramall Lane to extend Palace's unbeaten run to 12 games.

Warnock was delighted with his side's performance and result - but was quick to pay tribute to the Blades, whom he quit in the summer.

Warnock spent more than seven years in charge of the South Yorkshire outfit and oversaw their brief return to the Premier League last season.

"I had a fantastic welcome and couldn't have asked for anything more," Warnock said. "I felt quite emotional after the game and couldn't talk to the players."

Victory strengthened Palace's play-off credentials and, despite admitting to shortcomings, Warnock is determined to get them there.

He said: "We are limited but the lads gave their all and that's all I can ask for.

"We're not the finished article but we've moulded a unit and worked hard and we're getting results.

"We will slip up but I think anyone can get into the play-offs this season."

Warnock singled out Sean Scannell for special praise.

"Shaun has shown he can start a game and he's like a new signing for us, which is a massive plus," he said.

Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson was left to reflect on several squandered opportunities.

The under-pressure Blades boss said: "It's killing us missing the chances we're missing.

"The commitment and workrate was good but we didn't take our chances.

"Over the last two games, we've created enough chances to win both games.

"I don't think it's anything to do with a lack of confidence - we just haven't been getting the breaks.

"If we continue to create the amount of chances we're creating, they'll start going in at some stage."

Robson urged supporters to keep the faith, insisting he will mastermind an improvement in time.

"The lads need a lift and the fans have to keep behind them," he said.

"You do need a bit of time to change things round and I know the board are right behind me.

"I've always been a fighter in my career and I'll keep on going until I turn Sheffield United into a good team."

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