CRYSTAL Palace chief Alan Smith paid tribute to his brave battlers after a stirring fightback nearly rocked Rovers at Selhurst Park last night.

Forced to play with 10 men for 80 minutes after Fan Zhiyi's first half sending off, plucky Palace fought back from 3-0 down to push Blackburn all the way.

The Eagles' brave comeback, however, was ultimately in vain as Rovers brought their impressive 12 game unbeaten run shuddering to a standstill.

"It's always difficult when you lose a man to make alterations on the pitch. I needed to get the players in to sort it all out," said Smith.

"But, at half time, I told them to go for it. I'd rather lose 5-0 than sit back and not give it a go.

"And I thought we played some great football in the second half and came out of the game with a lot of credit.

"It's just disappointing our winning run has come to an end. "It took a long time to get this run together but Tuesday's Worthington Cup tie with Sunderland was a tough one and that took a lot out of us.

"It's difficult for young men to play two games like this in such a short space of time."

Some Palace players claimed referee Phil Jolis got it wrong when he red-carded Zhiyi for his 10th minute challenge on Mark Hughes as the Blackburn striker bore down on goal.

Television evidence later suggested the offence could have happened outside the box but Jolis awarded a penalty which ultimately set Rovers on their way.

Smith refused to make excuses, however.

"I don't really like to criticise referees -- I'd prefer to talk about the way we fought back in the second half," said the Palace boss.

"The only thing I do think is Fan's an honest character and I don't think there was any malicious intent.

"One or two of the lads said it was outside the box and, maybe with hindsight or the use of video, the referee might have changed his mind. But we can't dwell on that."