Boxed in on Boxing Day

Southampton at home at St Mary’s is a different proposition then when you are against them on your own patch this season, and so it proved in this festive Boxing Day fixture as we lost 2 – 0. Southampton are the best passing team in this seasons Championship, deservedly top of the league for a lot of the time they passed circles around us yet it says something for the quality of the Palace defence that it took them half an hour to break it down. Even when they did score over the match they still only managed to score twice with Brazilian centre forward Guly do Prado netting two accomplished headers providing the breakthrough with his strong and diminutive physique. Palace should have had a penalty in the second half and Glenn Murray went close to reducing the deficit but when put through twice in the box he was closed down and his shot was weak.

Palace and Southampton have differing priorities on the pitch this season. As Southampton are playing their way hard towards promotion, Palace fortunately are safe in mid table with the opportunity of a League Cup semi final and the chance to go through and play in a Wembley final. Minds of supporters and players therefore could be forgiven for wondering towards this match as well as one of the biggest games of the season, little own just the festive period against bitter rivals Millwall at the Den. (A ground Palace have not won at in ages.)

Obviously it is disappointing to lose to Southampton especially as I thought we had the tools and form, (and possibly luck) to turn them over. This would have been no mean feat when you consider Southampton’s unbeaten home record for the calendar year 2011. Despite the fact Palace lost like throughout this season we pushed Southampton close, were defensively solid and certainly did not disgrace ourselves. The good thing though despite losing is that the festive period is the busiest of the season and is packed with matches and a supporter blogger is kept busy as Palace look forward to Millwall and Leicester in very quick succession. Indeed being brutally honest though as an obsessional Palace fan I can deal with losing to a team with the footballing principles of Southampton under Nigel Adkins if we stuff Millwall.

I want to beat, indeed thrash Millwall not just because they are a bitter local rival second only to Brighton but also because we were better than them for ninety minutes at Selhurst in November. We should have won comfortably and had Palace’s domination been rewarded with more than Glenn Murray’s missed penalty in the second half we would have. Zaha and Scannell had opportunities that on other days they would have taken but Millwall’s keeper that day played very well. It will be interesting to see whether Millwall will be that lucky again this time round at the Den If Palace are as dominant. Millwall will have to work hard to cope with Palace’s attacking potency, yet good recent results against Portsmouth Doncaster and Bristol City have given the lions breathing space at the bottom of the Championship so there can be no doubt this will be a big battle. Palace will be desperate to make their superiority on the pitch this season count double at the Den to force one over their bitter local rivals on their own patch for the first time in a while because for supporters this is the most important game of the season outside of Brighton and this seasons League Cup run.

So the festive period continues at pace with games at Derby in the FA Cup and Leicester at Selhurst to come but now our attention shifts to the footballing festivities of New Year’s Eve and into 2012. A year on from the departure of George Burley and his last game as Palace boss at the Den on that miserable New Year’s Day 2011, Palace return looking to right some wrongs and in a much healthier state on and off the pitch. There can be no doubt Palace will be looking to record one last moral boosting three points in 2011 in a rivals backyard to assert their superiority at the Den a place yielding few rewards over recent years. Get ready for fireworks! Come On!!

Murray Christmas One and All (Even Brighton – 3 Goals around the Ammex Tree Ho Ho Ho!)

So it has arrived three points against Birmingham at Selhurst on Monday means Christmas day will pass with Palace in a healthy position in the League on 33 points from 22 games in 8th place with a League Cup semi Vs Cardiff to look forward to. We go into the busy festive period with matches against Southampton, Millwall, Leicester, and Derby in the cup with much to look forward to,a massive change on this time last year when we were in the bottom three on New Year’s Day after defeat at Millwall. The reason for this turnaround is in no small measure down to the impact of Dougie Freedman since he took over as manager from George Burley after returning to the club as Coach/Assistant Manager in 2009. After saving us from relegation at Hull last season, this season he has really built a platform to go on from with a fantastic blend of youth and experience, with the likes of Clyne, Scannell, and Zaha being guided by McCarthy, Wright, Gardner and Ambrose to create a team spirit capable of moving mountains.

The Birmingham match itself the last home game of 2011 ended as a 1 – 0 victory thanks to a late KG Dikgacoi header from a pin point Darren Ambrose cross. The match was quite dour and attritional and Birmingham were clearly tired after their European exertions on Thursday night. Palace conversely had clearly benefited from the ten day break since the Forest match in order to recharge their batteries from the busy November schedule. By the end the difference between the sides in what was a poor game was the slightly greater attacking energy and desire to win the game shown by Palace in the last twenty minutes. Add to this the calming influence of excellent substitute Jermaine Easter who slowed the pace of the game, calmed nerves and helped forge pressure onto the Birmingham goal, helping produce enough chances to eventually force a winner.

For large periods of the game the goalkeepers were on top and Birmingham keeper Boas Myhill made some cracking saves from Mile Jedinak whilst Birmingham’s creative midfielder Chris Burke made the blues best chances testing an on form Julian Speroni. Yet rather predictably Birmingham reverted late on to long balls back to front up to tall 6”7 striker Nicolas Zigic to set up attacks by knocking the ball down. Unfortunately for Birmingham his touch and control let him down and Gardner had his number in the box. Paddy McCarthy hit a post with his head in the second half but Palace won the game for a very satisfying end to 2011 off the back of showing great improvement from a difficult beginning to the year.

The festive period begins on Boxing Day against Southampton a personal return to my university town so it would be especially nice to see Palace get the victory. It will be the biggest test of the Championship season so far as Southampton are top of the league and are undefeated at home, but they have dropped points recently away including against south coast rivals Portsmouth in a 1 – 1 draw. If we can take our good form and tight defence to St Mary’s it will be a good game and should be a Christmas cracker! Merry Christmas.

Lumberjack Murray Cuts Forest Down To Size!

12/12/11;

Palace recovered from the disappointment of a 2 – 1 defeat at Barnsley to beat Forest 1 – 0 to record their first win in eight matches in the league. In a game where Palace exploited a lack of confidence in a struggling Forest side that now have not scored in four matches and remain in the bottom three. Yet the City Ground is a difficult place to play and we came under pressure and yet our defence dominated the Forest attack and the match was won on the counter attack. Indeed a feature of Palace’s strong season in the first half of 2011/12 campaign has been defensive ability and the partnership between Gardner and McCarthy at centre back. The return of Clyne from injury and the solidity of Dean Moxey and Jonathon Parr has meant Palace have prospered off a mean defence including setting a club record for time on the pitch without conceding a goal.

In the first half Julian Speroni had to be on top form to deny the Forest attack however Palace were aided by an injury to Wes Morgan which allowed the pace and creativity of Wilfried Zaha to exploit Forests insecurities at the back and gave chances to Glenn Murray to test the Forest backline. The goal that decided the game came in the second half after a strong defensive display in the first half allowed Palace to build as Murray, fed by Zaha showed Forest how it was done to capitalise on his opportunity to win the game for Palace. The goal, a crisp finish across Lee Camp inside the far post showed excellent touch ending our seven game winless streak in the Championship producing Palace’s first win in eight league matches.

The win was important as it is a sign Palace are stabilising their league form and moves them to 11th, 5 points off the playoffs and 10 points clear of the drop zone on 30 points. Compared to last season this is a great improvement giving us a shot of the playoffs and when you factor in the cup run and the Utd result this season for us fans is both memorable and enjoyable.

8 Seconds.

9/12/11;

8 Seconds. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. The time it took to be bought back down to earth after the magnificent night at Old Trafford that will live in my memory forever. There can be no doubt that league form has suffered since been drawn against United at the end of October. Since then we have not won in seven matches, drawing 0 – 0 with Reading, Portsmouth, and Millwall, 1 – 1 with Derby County, and losing 3 – 0 to Leicester, 2 – 0 to League Cup rivals Cardiff, with the latest defeat coming at Oakwell on Tuesday against Barnsley. In terms of the league Palace may be levelling out though. Last season we avoided relegation by a fortnight, this season a lot more consistancy has been shown on the road illustrated most clearly by the result at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Yet the reality is promotion is unrealistic and being mid table and in with a shot of Wembley reflects progress with performances from O’ Keefe, Wright, Zaha, Williams, Easter and Price all impressing. And of course who could forget Murray!

Tuesday was cold and the journey home took ages mainly because every time we tried to get off the motorway the exit was blocked. Trying to get across to the M40 from the M1, whether it was being diverted back to the M1 from the M69 or staying on to the M25 because the A43 was closed, even the entrance to the M25 from the M1 was closed. Point being it took ages because of diversions caused by road works so credit to my carer Maureen for eventually getting us home. Credit too to the 226 who made the trip to Oakwell after Old Trafford, despite the defeat and the early goal the good feelings from Manchester overflowed manifesting itself via comical chanting. Barnsley fans cries for ridiculous hand balls were mimicked by the Palace Oakwell 226 for most of the second half. Easter’s goal was the highlight and although Barnsley won and were impressive the fact is the time to recover the result will be later in the season at Selhurst Park on a reciprical Tuesday night.

The highlight of the week remains Old Trafford then, and indeed it is up there rather obviously as one of my best memories of an away day since I started supporting the club at the age of 8yrs old in 1990 and that includes my trips to Sweden and America with Palace. League form needs to improve or remain consistent thirteenth place is acceptable but thanks to Dougie, Glenn, Paddy, Darren and Wilf a dream is emerging onto the horizon and that could be the greatest memory of this truly unexpectedly remarkable season. Massive credit and a deserved reward for the board of Palace 2010 who have turned Palace’s fortunes around since taking over the club.

On Saturday we play Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in a match important to stabilising our dip in league form. Hopefully the dip in form is only temporary and after freshening up the squad for Derby County and Barnsley Dougie will get things back on track.

A lot has happened to Crystal Palace FC over the last fortnight, not so much in the league but a historic result against current Champions of England, Manchester United at Old Trafford gives us an historic opportunity to play at Wembley as a club in a cup final. The opportunity is there to possibly write a new and positive chapter in the Palace history books but more importantly it presents Dougie Freedman and the Palace class of 2011/12 the chance to write their names into the fabric of the club forever with this unexpected shot at Palace folklore.

What a Week! Champions Toppled! Historic?

8/12/11;

Ok so it is nigh on three weeks since I last blogged and for that I apologise. Yet I am not sure how wide this blogs audience is, and frankly having Millwall come to Selhurst and going to Old Trafford back to back in the same week, I wanted to experience the moment and take it in before writing about it. Glenn Murray is forging a unique position for himself in Palace folklore and I think I love him. After arriving from Brighton and scoring the winner against his former club (What a Legend!!) he goes on to grab the winner at old Trafford just days after worrying us all by missing a penalty against Millwall in the goalless draw a fortnight ago. He is fast becoming a fans favourite and with crucial goals like the winner away to Manchester United at Old Trafford he is starting to rewrite Palace history.

Talking of that penalty miss, no one is perfect Glenn! Despite dominating the Millwall match another home draw was to follow. In what was a spiteful match off the field no love is lost off the field between supporters but that has always been the case with Millwall. Personally I have nothing to add and I am not going to dwell here on my opinions of some Millwall fans behaviour. Instead Oh Happy Days let us celebrate through the power of the written word our trip to Old Trafford, Manchester that undermined the Champions and stunned the Football World!

Remember, Remember the 30th November because I shall never forget it! Eleven heroes! Especially Stuart O’Keefe, Lewis Price, Darren Ambrose, KG, and Jonathon Parr all excelling themselves matching Utd in terms of endeavour and share effort, Palace were fully deserving of the victory. Despite being matched against nine internationals, full commitment meant they never disgraced themselves and midway through the second half the reward of something to hold onto. Take a bow Darren Ambrose what a goal, 45yds out a bending drive to the top corner giving Ben Amos no chance. Professionals like Wright, Gardner, and McCarthy realised they were in with a shot of Wembley and the highlight of their careers and therefore on share effort they matched Utd stride for stride on that pitch and fully deserved to come off winners after 120 minutes. Boy what a feeling when we did hold on. As a feeling of pride this was like no away game I’d experienced with Palace, we have toppled the Champions and now we face a Championship side in Cardiff City for a shot at Wembley Unbelievable!

I went to Old Trafford draped in Palace flag and wearing red and blue jester hat more in hope then expectation. Then I saw the team sheet and my hope and expectation levels began to rise as I honestly thought Utd have undercooked this and we have a chance. Watching a Palace side made up of youth and academy products such as Scannell, Zaha, Clyne, and other youngsters like O’Keefe matching a young and inexperienced United side that still contained nine internationals shows the difference in attitude to youth football between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. Whilst Palace have built an academy to develop players bringing them into the first team, while United play their youngsters in reserve fixtures or on loan at lower league clubs.

In my opinion this meant on the night the gap between the teams was closed because the likes of Zaha and Clyne backed by the experience of Wright and match winning ability of Ambrose were more use to competitive football then United’s youngsters. Diouf, Gibson, and the Da Silva twins were not used to the hustle and bustle of regular competitive football because unlike the Palace youngsters their path to the first team is blocked by bought talent. My point off the back of this is the Elite Player Performance Programme (EPPP) and the reorganisation of youth football should not stop Palace and other Football League Clubs using their academies to bring on players, because done properly the products of these academies are capable of effecting such historic results for clubs like Palace as they did against the English Champions.

Where does this result sit in Palace history? It has given us a historic opportunity to get to Wembley for only the second time in our history discounting Playoffs, or our magnificent ZDS Cup victory over Everton in 1991. Simply it is our best shot of reaching Wembley in a major domestic cup final since 1990. A League Cup Semi Final Vs Cardiff City gives us such a great opportunity to get to the final because we are not drawn against one of the two big Premier League Clubs left in the competition. So to Dougie Freedman and Palace history, as a player he played a decisive role in keeping the club up at Stockport in 2001, and as a manager he has moulded a team that emerged from the ashes of administration in 2010 to survive at Hull last season. Now he has moved the team forward to credibility of mid table security in the league and a famous victory in the derby at the Ammex and most impressively of all he has the feather in his managerial cap of a victory against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United at Old Trafford in the League Cup! Magnificent.

Get Well Soon Joniesta

23/11/11;

48hrs prior to the disappointing defeat at Leicester city, a ground incidentally we have never won at since they moved there from Filbert Street came bad news about our exciting youngster Jonathon ‘Joniesta’ Williams. While playing for Wales U21 Williams broke his leg. The initial prognosis is he will be out for three months and although it will be a hard road back, the break was below the knee and could have been a lot worse. I, like you reading this, and every Palace fan wishes Joniesta the best with a speedy and full recovery.

Without Williams’ creativity and following the disappointing 3 – 0 defeat away on a Sunday to Leicester City, we now face the prospect of what will no doubt be a feisty local derby encounter. Encouraged by the positive outcome at the Ammex earlier in the season against Brighton, Palace should have nothing to fear in a game at the right time against Millwall. Victory would arguably set up the most successful and enjoyable start to a season in years. Stability in the league being backed up by a local derby victory at a rivals new home, and an exciting cup run to boot with the possibility of a giant killing against Manchester United at Old Trafford next week. Even a draw would not be disastrous as Palace’s impressive home record would be preserved and a draw would mark an improvement on the Eagles recent record against the Lions.

The big rivals in the eyes of all Palace fans are obviously Brighton and holding a good record against them in recent times proves how enjoyable it can be to dominate on the pitch. Yet the ferocity of the Millwall rivalry comes from geography and Millwall’s tough doggedness on the field in recent encounters with Palace has seen them come out on top in terms of results and there is therefore nothing Palace fans want more than a positive result on Saturday. Should we gain a positive result on Saturday it shows a shift in the balance of power against Millwall is changing as Palace under Dougie’s tutelage are regaining their competitive edge. Beating Millwall will be the highlight of the season for all Palace fans! Final words – Bring It On!!!