The Eagles headed to the North East to face a Newcastle side packed with talent, with Shay Given, Gary Speed and Alan Shearer forming the spine of a well-drilled opposition.
For Palace, it was a chance to make up ground in the battle for survival - and they did just that. Lombardo duly started himself, and opened the scoring after just 14 minutes in spectacular fashion, caressing the ball into the back of the net with the outside of his boot.
Just 10 minutes later he helped to double the lead, this time turning provider to set up Thomas Brolin, whose strike was saved but the rebound smashed home by Matt Jansen.
The result was not yet sealed, and Shearer got Newcastle back into the game with a thunderous free-kick late on, but Lombardo and co. held on for a vital three points and a memorable away day at St James’ Park.