Instead they decided to put them to good use by walking away with their sixth away victory of the campaign.

Palace could have just turned up at Prenton Park merely to dot the i's and cross the t's on what remained of a very turbulent season, but instead the Eagles were finally allowed to spread their wings to produce a tension free 2-1 victory leaving their long suffering supporters wondering "what was all the fuss about?"

The victory could have been more comprehensive had the Eagle's bright start been rewarded with a thoroughly deserved Clinton Morrison opener.

But the 20 year old who, along with Hayden Mullins pushed veteran Andy Linighan all the way for the player of the year award, had his early goal disallowed.

But a plucky Palace weren't to be denied and Mullins who was described by his manager Steve Coppell as "a giant all season for us" after last week's tension-relieving win over Blackburn, shot the Eagles into a 35th minute lead.

The 21 year old starlet took full advantage of a Palace free-kick when he blasted home Australian international Craig Foster's lay-off from just outside the area.

And Morrison made up for the disappointment of his earlier effort by producing a sweet finish four minutes later when he was found eight yards out.

The young striking sensation had made a bet with Coppell at the start of the season that he would find the net at least 20 times through the year.

As it was, a shoulder sustained against Wolves in October ended any hopes of a bonus from his manager, but his 13th strike of the season against Rovers ending the year as the club's top scorer would have made up for that.

As expected, the Merseysiders mounted a strong comeback and threatened to breach a strong Palace back line on several occasions.

And on 45 minutes, a trademark long throw from Tranmere's Worthington Cup hero Dave Challinor, was put in by Scott Taylor giving the home side hopes of a recovery.

But mirroring their effort throughout the season, the Eagles battled to hold on to the three points against the odds, hoisting their final league position to a comfortable 15th spot.