Much of the pre-match build-up seemed to focus on the Championship debut of Edgar Davids, named in the team of the tournament for the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship, after joining Palace on a pay-as-you-play contract.
The only thing preventing the former Holland midfielder being described as anonymous, however, were his distinctive goggles.
Palace had the first opportunity of the match when Kieran Djilali capitalised on an error from Cliff Byrne but shot wide.
From then on, however, the Iron took control of the match. Michael Collins brought a good save out of Julian Speroni, who had to be alert again when Chris Dagnall almost finished after being put through by Forte.
Forte put the Iron ahead after 33 minutes when he turned in the area before firing a low left-footed shot past Speroni.
The Barbados international doubled the advantage just before the break, again placing the ball in the bottom left corner after losing his marker.
United were in control of the match and had opportunities to extend their lead in the second-half - one of the best fell to Sam Togwell after a smart passing move down the right wing, but he fired the ball high and wide.
Forte should have done better when he broke down the left, snatching at an attempted lob that was nowhere near the target when both Dagnall and Michael Collins had made ground and were available in the penalty area.
He did win a penalty after 71 minutes when he was pushed in the back when trying to head a cross, which would almost certainly have seen him seal a hat-trick.
He dusted himself off ready to take the spot-kick, but could not get the ball off Michael O'Connor who converted to seal the win.
Martyn Woolford and Bobby Grant came off the bench in the closing stages as the Iron looked to run out the match, but had little time to take advantage of the tiredness and lack of confidence in the visiting defence.