A late Scott Dann header cancelled out Joshua King's first-half strike, ensuring the Cherries had to make do with a share of the points.
"When you think you're so close to the first win, a valuable three points, it's a sickener. We are desperate for that first win.
"It was a real game of two halves for us. I thought we were excellent first half but it was backs against the wall in the second. Then the late goal is a difficult one to swallow."
It could have been worse for the Cherries, had Artur Boruc not saved Yohan Cabaye's penalty immediately after the game's opener.
And the Pole was in fine form throughout the match, making a number of important saves.
"Artur was magnificent," Howe continued.
"The penalty save really was key and I think he made serveral other great saves in the second half.
"We really did come under the cosh. We threw our bodies on the line and defended brilliantly at times, but it wasn't to be."
The match report from Selhurst Park can be read here.
