Forest 2 – 2 Palace; Murray Singing in the Rain as Billy Rescues Point Sharpish!

Crystal Palace’s Christmas Programme continued at a wet and rain sodden City Ground, as they tried to bounce back from defeat at Cardiff. A goal from Mile Jedinak put Palace into the lead on Boxing Day in Wales, but goals from Noone and Gunnarson meant Holloway’s men went home empty handed. The theme of not being able to hold onto a lead continued at the City Ground as the Eagles were again pegged back twice in stoppage time at the end of each half. A brace of goals from the Championships top marksman Glenn Murray, (22 goals) was cancelled out by a firecracker in first half injury time from Nottingham Forest’s Andy Reid. Then in second half stoppage time a strike from on loan Saints finisher Billy Sharp meant the game ended 2 – 2.

Holloway would have hoped his Palace side could have got back to winning ways after defeat on Boxing Day by exploiting Forest’s uncertainties. The turmoil surrounding the City Ground since the Boxing Day dismissal of Sean O’ Driscoll despite a 4 – 2 victory against Leeds United had led to the appointment of Alex Mcleish. It was unclear how Forest’s players and fans would react so Palace was looking to exploit the situation to their advantage. Palace started quickly taking the lead inside ten minutes when Murray slid in to complete a flowing team move. The move was started in midfield by enigmatic Brazilian Andre Moritz who spread the ball wide for Moxey to centre and Murray to score. Moritz replaced Garvan in the starting lineup from the Cardiff match and showed great range of passes to open up Forest from midfield, yet despite being on top palace could not add a crucial second goal in the first half.

Typical of recent matches despite controlling the game for long periods of the half Palace could not hold onto the lead. Forest upped the tempo and pressed Palace deep in their own half and in first half injury time Forest’s pressure paid off. Despite a stoic defensive performance in which Danny Gabbidon, Dean Moxey, and Jedinak starred with many great blocks and clearances in which they put their bodies on the line in order to break up play, nothing could be done about Andy Reid’s blockbuster that meant the sides were level 1 – 1 at the break.

In the second half again Palace pushed on. Wilfried Zaha had a quiet match yet his flash shot could have restored Crystal Palace’s lead. The weather conditions were atrocious but the quality of both teams football was of a high standard. Julian Speroni was kept busy and the central defensive partnership between Ramage and Gabbidon looked solid as Forest came into the game. When Jonathan Williams was introduced midway through the second half Palace switched to a 4-4-2 formation with Easter replacing Zaha and Moritz coming off. The assured control which the returning Williams brought to the midfield was a tonic to the travelling fans. His mazy forward runs combined with Easter to create the opening for Murray to restore Palace’s lead.

Murray controlled a looping header over Lee Camp steering the ball into the net on eighty one minutes to score what appeared to be the winning goal. Yet unfortunately a familiar recent frailty reoccurred for Holloway’s team as Palace failed to see out the result. On ninety three minutes Billy Sharp poached an equaliser. Sharp reacted first to a rebound off the post scoring into an empty net leaving Speroni stranded helpless in his penalty area. The result gave Alex Mcleish a point in his first game in charge of Nottingham Forest. The match ended 2 – 2.

An inability to hold onto a lead at crucial stages dogged Palace’s performance again at the City Ground. In what were very difficult playing conditions Palace did well to contain forest although familiar frailties re emerged. They just could not make the most of their opportunities by taking their chances to finish Forest off in what was a hard fought physical encounter. Work rate and endeavour was ever present as usual but unfortunately it was concentration that slipped at vital moments and this proved costly. Despite a current blip of one win in December we are still going into the New Year in fourth place a position any supporter would have bitten their hand off for if offered in August.

Despite another draw we played Wolverhampton Wanderers on New Year’s Day with our league position looking healthy and an exciting FA Cup tie against Stoke City to look forward too next weekend. Happy New Year!

  

Huddersfield Claim Point in Fiery Christmas Cracker!

Ex eagle Sean Scannell returned to Selhurst Park to make a point in a physical encounter that ended 1 – 1. The match saw two red cards, the first to Palace defender Damien Delaney as early as the eleventh minute. Returning Palace captain Mile Jedinak back from suspension, put a free kick narrowly wide early on but following the sending off Huddersfield found their way into the match. It was at this point Scannell made his mark. Forcing Joel Ward into a clumsy challenge in the box he won a penalty after exploiting gaps in the palace backline left by the dismissal. The reaction was immediate and one I did not agree with as former Palace favourite Scannell was booed for supposedly diving when in fact he was fouled.

Huddersfield failed to take advantage of their most clear cut opportunity of the half as Adam Clayton’s weak penalty was saved by Julian Speroni. On thirty nine minutes Town were punished for their carelessness as despite being down to ten men Palace took the lead. In a brilliant piece of interplay Bolasie flicked the ball through to Zaha who exploited the space created for him by Bolasie to smash the ball into the roof of the net. Zaha had been lively all game placing a shot narrowly wide earlier in the half. Palace led 1 – 0 despite making things harder for themselves than necessary but by working hard they got to the break in front appearing to have the measure of opponents low on confidence.

Julian Speroni had a busy match, as well as the penalty save he played well saving from Beckford and Norwood from distance, working hard to support a depleted defence. Danny Gabbidon replaced Owen Garvan to fill in at the back and Dean Moxey also replaced Joel Ward. Ex Eagle James Vaughan combined well with the Town midfield to keep their hosts on their toes and with fourteen minutes to go they got lucky. A tiring Palace side failed to clear a corner and as the weather conditions made things difficult Speroni was unsighted by Beckford as he let a scuffed Keith Southern drive slip through his gloves.

One all seemed a fair result but for a third match running a match which Palace led in and controlled for long periods slipped away because of a loss of concentration. It would be unfair to blame Speroni as he had a good game and had to work hard to cover for others recklessness in defence. This match exemplified pulsating and high tempo Championship football and due to an unforgiving refereeing performance neither side had eleven on the pitch at the final whistle. Bolasie was tricky and difficult to handle all day and when Anthony Gerrard was judged to have fouled Bolasie with a foot off the ground he was given a straight red card. Tempestuous refereeing, influential old boys, and poor concentration saw the game end all square as Palace lost ground on the leaders going to Cardiff on Boxing Day in third place.

2012 has been a year of steady progress for my beloved Eagles. We face Cardiff on Boxing Day, four points off the top with nothing to fear. After a scintillating 3 – 2 comeback win at Selhurst against the bluebirds earlier in the campaign, the chance to record a double over the leaders would send a message of intend to the rest of the division. If the Championship is a battle of resources Cardiff and Hull may have the upper hand but as performances have shown this is a side that plays stylish football, works hard, and deservedly has got plaudits and results. We welcomed Ian Holloway to the club this year and he has been excited by what he has seen as our academy received national recognition with a full England debut for Wilfried Zaha.

As we go into 2013 and the climax of this exciting season that has already witnessed a fourteen game unbeaten run I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happy festive period. I hope the exciting football of Murray, Zaha, Bolasie, Joniesta and company gets what it deserves and a shot at Premier League football in the summer. Merry Christmas!  

 

Palace Cut Gap to Leaders despite Stalemate Blues!

The Christmas fixture list got underway on Saturday afternoon against Birmingham City at St Andrews. Glenn Murray’s nineteenth and twentieth goals of the season took him to the top of the goal scorers’ charts, but goals from Zigic and Papa Bouba Diop pegged Palace back to a consecutive 2 – 2 draw. After a bright start frustration was the order of the afternoon as Bouba Diop prevented Palace’s first victory in nine visits to St Andrews since 2004. The frustration was Birmingham’s goals came from obvious and preventable sources at times when concentration and organisation could have stopped them being scored.

This undermined all Palace’s earlier good work as Garvan and Bolasie  went close in the first half and the indomitable Murray scored a brace either side of the half time break. Both goals came from good work by Palace’s fullbacks Ward and Parr who set up the goals with good crosses. Birmingham’s favourite boo boy, Marlon King looked dangerous, but for the most part Palace coped with the threat well. Soaking up Birmingham pressure Palace broke through Bolasie on thirty five minutes and when Ward crossed Murray scored. A lead Murray would double on the hour mark with his twentieth goal of a superb season.

Two moments in the game that would prove crucial came early. At 0 – 0 Bolasie failed to score following another marauding box to box run only for England international Jack Butland to make the save. Again at 2 – 0 a key moment to make it three and win the game went begging. Moritz latched onto a through ball beating Butland to the ball, lifting it over him, only for the ball to clear the crossbar.

So it would prove and Palace would pay for their profligacy in front of goal. Throwing away a two goal lead for the second match running is not Championship winning form. Although in different circumstances to Blackpool last week and made less galling by Peterborough’s surprising win over Cardiff because the gap to the top is cut to two points. Yet the frustration remains in the careless and preventable nature of the goals conceded. Two free headers from set pieces. One goal scored by Zigic, the tallest player in the Championship. The other a header scored by Diop, one of the biggest players on the pitch. Both should be obvious targets for Palace players to pick up and have plans in place for in such situations.

It may seem unfair on Ian Holloway, but it seems unlikely that such late goals that have been conceded in the last week would have been conceded when Palace were on their earlier fourteen game unbeaten run. Yet Holloway has a difficult act to follow and he would be acutely aware of the need to cut out simple errors, concentrating on fitness till the end of matches, if the promotion run is to be sustained. It may be very unfair and premature to link recent late mistakes to the departures of the old backroom staff as Holloway needs his own staff in place and the January window to imprint his personality on the squad.

Whilst not wasting this golden opportunity for promotion with silly mistakes we should also not let pressure of expectation ware us down. Especially not if we consider the opportunity in front of us in the face of where Crystal Palace has come from in the last two years. On the field KG Dikgacoi was an excellent captain in the absence of the suspended Mile Jedinak. Garvan and Moritz also linked up well even if by starting Moritz lost his status as an impact substitute. These are all useful and important things for Holloway to consider as he tries to finish the job and mould Palace into a side capable of promotion.

After the frustration of a Zigic goal with his first touch the Birmingham comeback was complete on eighty two minutes when the ex Fulham, Portsmouth, and West Ham player Papa Bouba Diop headed home the equaliser. On the face of it more than a little frustrating but given our record in the past decade at St Andrews this could be a good point, more than useful in the battle for promotion if we beat or take points off Cardiff City in Wales on Boxing day.

On Saturday we play Huddersfield Town at Selhurst Park in the first meeting since the 2000/01 campaign when Huddersfield went down instead of us thanks to a certain goal we remember so fondly. It also sees the return of Sean Scannell and Alan Lee to Selhurst Park.

 

       

Palace Comeback Kids Fail to Hold on as Ollies Tangerine Dream Starts to Fade!

The visit of Ian Holloway’s former club, Blackpool, ended honours even at 2 – 2 following an eighty ninth minute equaliser from Nouha Dicko. The game did not start well for Palace as the team were lacking the recent attacking exuberance and fluency that had so personified recent performances. This was a laboured first half showing lacking the exhilaration that has propelled Palace to the top of the league with such style in recent weeks. On thirty seven minutes Blackpool scored the goal their control of the play deserved through Aston Villa loan player Nathan Delfouneso. Palace failed to deal with a ball into the box and Delfouneso bundled the ball into the net to give Blackpool a halftime lead.

It could have been worse but Blackpool failed to find the clinical finishing to go with their neat football in the build up play. Palace was on the back foot and looked as ordinary as they have all season. The band of Blackpool fans were quick to gleefully point out the score and what Holloway had left behind. Despite diligent performances from Blake, Delaney and Garvan, the Jedi and KG lacked their regular sparkle. Work was required from Holloway at halftime in the form of a team talk to inspire the lads. Reminding the tangerine dreamers of what they had lost in the meantime.

It worked because following a solid defensive performance from Peter Ramage, becoming mister reliable in Paddy McCarthy’s absence; Palace returned in the second half a different team. The comeback kids had returned. Far more attacking penetration came from the flanks and Palace was unrecognisable from their first half performance. The directness and cutting edge was back in their play that has been so effective in recent weeks. Bolasie had the beating of his man and on fifty two minutes the Palace surge at the start of the second half paid off. Zaha returned a Bolasie shot with a cross created by a wonderful piece of footwork, planting the ball on Garvan’s head for the equaliser.

The turnaround was complete when goal machine Glenn Murray got in on the act. Planting a header into the corner of the net past Matt Gilkes for his eighteenth goal of a very productive season. Fresh from a brace against former employees it was impossible for him not to influence the game with such service. Inventive wing play from Bolasie and Zaha and creative midfield work from influential substitute Moritz meant in an open game chances were coming at will. A chance was laid on a plate for Murray and he should have made it 3 – 1 when Bolasie, freed by Moritz, beat four players and with a marauding run, that took him the length of the field he played the defence splitting cross to Murray only for Gilkes to make the save. The save was crucial because it was Blackpool’s influential substitute Nouha Dicko’s turn to impact the game.

Blackpool were never out of the match. Even when Palace led Blackpool broke well and looked dangerous with fast, incisive, passing through the midfield into the final third. On eighty nine minutes this speed of passing allowed Wes Thomas to break to the by line and get his cross away allowing Dicko to smash in a last minute equaliser. He went wild! Running to the travelling supporters at the other end of the field, he revealed to all his six pack and pecks despite freezing December temperatures. Obviously delighted he got booked but this raised the temperature and soured tempers on the benches. Holloway did not take well to a glare from one of his former colleagues. Whoever it was glaring at Holloway they would do well to remember the good times.

The identity of the glarer remains known only to Holloway and although the tangerine dream is fading at least it was real, filling the minds of all those wearing tangerine with irreplaceable happy memories. Football is a game of changes and at least Holloway left Blackpool in the right way, acknowledging his affection for the club and its supporters. Sadly the same cannot be said for the certain ex Palace manager currently employed on the East Lancs Road. He still refuses to acknowledge his former clubs supporters in any fashion shape or form, playing with our emotions despite the feelings that ran so deep for him.

Still Holloway is in charge now and he is doing a fantastic job. We find ourselves in second place going into the Christmas period. One defeat since August, away to Leeds. Games over Christmas against leaders Cardiff, Forest, Huddersfield, and Wolves means things are certainly on the up. Next week we travel to Birmingham looking to continue our three game mini unbeaten run. We do this in the knowledge we are in excellent shape with a manager in Ian Holloway who can hold his head up high as a fantastically experienced, underrated manager. He knows how to treat supporters and has achieved a lot in the game he can be proud of at Plymouth, QPR, Leicester City, Blackpool and so far in his role at Palace.

Super Murray sees off Seagulls!

A brace from Glenn Murray and a penalty from Owen Garvan saw off Brighton 3 – 0 and sent Palace back to the top of the Championship for twenty four hours at least. The star of this fantastic Palace performance was the enigmatic fire cracker of a winger Yannick Bolasie. Albion found Bolasie too hot to handle all afternoon and when the tricky winger burst through on ten minutes he was brought down by defender Lewis Dunk. Dunk saw red for preventing a goal scoring opportunity giving Palace the man advantage for the remainder of the game. An advantage they would not relinquish.

Spearheaded by goal machine Glenn Murray Palace were energetic from the start pumped up by the atmosphere of a vibrant Palace support and all the intensity of the A23 derby. Murray continues to find his goal scoring touch notching up goals sixteen and seventeen for the season.  He has now scored nine goals in six matches since Ian Holloway took up the reigns as palace boss against Ipswich Town. To a large extent Murray was unplayable despite only just making the pitch from his sickbed. On thirty eight minutes a flying near post glancing header off a corner gave Palace the lead their dominance deserved. Brighton packed ten men behind the ball in a vain attempt to subdue Palace’s attacking intensity yet ultimately Bolasie and Zaha proved too skilful.

Mile Jedinak strong in midweek in Hull was a rock in midfield and supported by KG Dikgacoi we flooded the midfield and Brighton’s ten men could not cope with the attacking intensity. Garvan played the playmaker role and Bolasie and Zaha burst forward at will on the wings with Ward and Parr providing support from the fullback positions. This wing tenacity led to the first of two penalties on fifty four minutes from which Murray scored his second ending the game as a contest. At this point Moritz replaced fullback Ward who was excellent in defence but showed the managers intent with what was an attacking substitution.

Ian Holloway is an experienced head as a manager and in the matches I have watched at Selhurst since he has taken over he likes to make attacking substitutions. On this occasion it was rewarded as Palace’s attacking play earned a second penalty on seventy one minutes. Murray was fouled in the box and in an act of valour Brighton did not deserve described as professionalism by Holloway, Murray passed up the opportunity of a hat-trick against his former club, allowing Garvan to score the penalty. Albion supporters were again petty towards Murray he was once their hero who had got them promoted from league one. Even so Murray showed his class by not celebrating his goals in front of the Brighton fans despite provocation. It truly was a fantastic performance by Murray and Bolasie individually and the team in general especially when you consider Wilbraham replaced Murray on seventy four minutes as the superb centre forward was struggling with sickness.  

Holloways philosophy is going down well with the Palace faithful and there is little more Holloway can do to endear himself to supporters than beat Brighton 3 – 0 at home. By carrying on the momentum of the season with subtle tactical changes to get to the forty point mark before any other team in the Championship then promotion is a definite possibility. Indeed Holloway is more than aware of how fortunate he is to inherit such a talented professional squad from his predecessor. That is why he is determined to work hard to complete the job with the team that Dougie built.

Massive credit should go to the entire team for bouncing back from a tough week in Yorkshire to return themselves to the top of the league. Next comes Blackpool to join the party and that match holds its own intrigue all for its own reasons. Especially for our new hero jolly Ollie! Thanks very much lads. Eagles!!

 

Life is Never Dull When You Go To Hull... Actually It Is!

A cold, damp, midweek away trip to Hull ended goalless on Tuesday night. A dull and lacklustre affair was almost stolen by Palace with the last kick of the match. Yet apart from that Zaha chance which was saved by goalkeeper Stockdale, both sides were wasteful in front of goal. The home side had the best of the possession without being able to score.

Palace was without in form striker Glenn Murray who was suspended following picking up a booking against Leeds United. Brazilian playmaker Andre Moritz remained on the bench with Owen Garvan and Jermaine Easter starting. As a result there was not a lot for the hardy band of travelling Palace fans to get excited about. Indeed were I not staying overnight in Manchester I may have been frustrated by the madness of travelling all the way to Hull for a midweek away fixture. Massive credit should go to the supporters who made the trips to Leeds and Hull in the past week. A point away at this stage of the season in North Lincolnshire/West Yorkshire may prove massively important come the end of the season.

Hull playmaker Elmohamedy was very busy in the first half creating chances for Robert Koren but Hull was wasteful in front of goal. In the second half Aaron Wilbraham replaced Jermaine Easter up front but Palace was still generally missing their recent attacking sparkle. Robbie Brady was lucky to stay on the pitch for Hull when he pulled his man back and he was last man. Much to my and 300 other Palace fans frustrations he escaped with a booking. Had it been down the other end I am sure Palace would have been down to 10 men. The referee bottled it.

Bolasie did not have his best match in a Palace shirt on Tuesday but he clearly tried. He got through one on one with Stockdale but screwed his shot wide. Speroni saved the points for Palace when a strong hand kept out Aaron Mcleans late drive as the final ten minutes proved the most eventful of the game. For all of the possession Hull had during the match, through Bolasie and Zaha, Palace had the best clear cut chances in the game. Apart from the chance for Bolasie, Wilf Zaha could have taken all three points for the Eagles but for a brilliant Stockdale save with the last kick of the match.

On Saturday Palace face that lot from down the A23 in the Selhurst leg of the Derby. Glenn Murray will return from suspension for the derby in what following the Leeds defeat is Ian Holloway’s first big test as Palace manager. It is his first challenge as boss with this team before facing his old team Blackpool in a fortnight. Given the previous managers record in derby matches certain improvement and greater sparkle will be required from the team for Saturdays big match.

Palace 3 – 0 Derby County: - Terrific!!!

Palace extended their lead at the top of the Championship with this fantastic 3 – 0 victory. Goals from Glenn Murray and the Brazilian, Andre Moritz, who is rapidly becoming a Lombardo esque cult-hero figure in the Palace midfield. Indeed enigmatic midfielder Moritz is proving more than an able replacement for the previous midfield maestro at palace Darren Ambrose, now at Birmingham City. The pair will meet at St. Andrews on 15^th December. Moritz has now scored three goals in his last three consecutive appearances for Palace as we continue our surge to the top of the league table.

Wilf Zaha took the headlines prior to the match due to his six minute England cameo in Sweden last week. What a talent Zaha is. Right from the first time I saw him play against Leicester City under George Burley in troubled times. Through to his influential displays under Freedman over the last two years against Manchester United and recently Vs Wolves, he truly is a credit to himself and our club. What a fillet it is for Crystal Palace FC that as a Championship team the academy is again producing talent for the national side. Zaha follows in the path of players from Peter Taylor to Ian Wright as Crystal Palace again gets a player to national honours for England from below the top flight.

I share Ian Holloways hope it was not a political call up meant to pressurise Zaha because of his Ivorian roots. The media storm over Zaha’s call up shows what unfair pressure he is under at a young age to make a decision and is poor PR from Roy Hodgson and the FA. What is not in doubt is he is the best talent I have ever seen at Palace and deserves the recognition he is receiving. Hopefully he will be an England international for a long time to come.

On Saturday Ian Holloway showed what a settled talented side he has at his disposal and what an experienced tactician he is at this level. I had heard that the 1 – 2 away win at Peterborough last weekend was dominant. Yet I honestly cannot remember watching a performance like this weekends’ 3 – 0 win against Derby from Palace at Selhurst in all my time as a season ticket holder since 1998. There are simply no words to explain how a settled back four, pace from the wings on both sides, and creativity from the engine room in the middle of the park combined to allow Murray to run riot producing an emphatic 3 – 0 win.

Talented Derby teenager Will Hughes tested Julian Speroni once producing a great save. This is all I can remember Derby creating all game. To be fair at present no team in the Championship can live with Palace at this current level and that is why they are top of the Championship.

Ian Holloway has come to Crystal Palace with the club in a unique position in its history. We are playing in a style and fashion I have never seen before in the twenty two years I have being supporting the club since the age of eight. I cannot explain why or how we are playing in this fashion now. I will leave it to those more schooled and experienced in the analysis of Crystal Palace then me to explain why. All I can say is I feel privileged and honoured to be enjoying such football, with the likes of Zaha, Moritz, and Bolasie blowing me away every week.

If the club and its supporters have been on a journey together since 2010 saved the club in that fateful year, than perhaps what we are witnessing on the pitch now is the culmination of that journey. When I was honoured to receive the ‘Fan of the Year’ Award in 2010 I, like any Palace supporter could only have hoped and imagined what great steps the four co-owners have taken, and quite rapidly too to turn the clubs fortunes around. Could the culmination of the survival journey be Crystal Palace’s return to the Premier League? That is now a definite possibility, yet even if not massive credit should go to 2010 for stabilising the club. Rooting Palace back in its local community and at a competitively high level in the Championship in the process.

It took a mere twelve minutes for Murray to breakdown the Rams defences from a Bolasie corner with a header in front of nearly 16,500 at Selhurst on Saturday. From that point on domination met calm assurance as Palace destroyed their visitors to extend their lead over Cardiff City at the top of the division. On 58 minutes Derby continued to crumble as Moritz superbly smashed home a second for Palace off a Murray knockdown from a Parr clearance. A third goal came on 82 minutes as Murray picked up a brace slamming home a shot following a maizey run through the defence. The rout was complete. A tired Rams side had long since given up the ghost.

Palace travel to former boss’s Neil Warnock’s Leeds United on Saturday Afternoon. What a press conference that could be as Holloway and Warnock cross swords in South Yorkshire. It will be a tough week for palace. Hull City and another former boss in the much maligned Steve Bruce lie in wait on Tuesday. Before Palace face Brighton on the first day of advent. First Leeds United though and no doubt Delaney and Ramage will have to work hard at the centre of defence as Ellend Road will be buoyed by the prospect of GFH’s completed takeover and all the Arab riches it so promises.       

Welcome Ollie and What a Start!

(Written from NZ)


Top of the league and well deserved! True it is still only November and I missed the goal spree of 7 in 2 matches while visiting relatives. Yet it cannot be argued that Palace is in a false position because they are not. Twelve matches without defeat is the proof of that. An exciting new manager, Ian Holloway, is a big name appointment that was brought about in unexpected circumstances by the departure of Dougie Freedman as he felt he had taken the club as far as he could.

Regardless Freedman has left Palace in fantastic shape. This is shown by the professionalism of the squad during the caretaker period, when without a manager they continued the unbeaten run. Indeed this was a point acknowledged by Holloway himself when he observed what fantastic shape Crystal Palace was left in by Freedman upon his departure, both in terms of infrastructure and professionalism of the squad. Perhaps this is Freedman’s lasting legacy to the club showing his ability as a new young manager. We should be grateful to him and wish him the best in his future as he holds a place in my heart.

A slightly more circumspect view than in the immediate aftermath of the managerial change but on with the show and welcome Ian Holloway! Seven goals in two home matches against Blackburn and Ipswich continued the good work of Lennie Lawrence and Curtis Fleming and the professionalism and hardworking bond of the players. The unbeaten run now stretches to twelve matches. Ian Holloway wants to be a part of that spirit, and apparently (I was not there) a rousing half time speech from Holloway when introduced to the crowd against Blackburn helped inspire a 2 – 0 victory. He was blown away by the ability of the squad in front of him and has given up a good job where he has done very well and achieved a lot at Blackpool to choose to take the opportunity with Palace.

As a result how Crystal Palace is perceived as a football club is changing, growing if you like. By those in the game Palace are seen as a good prospect for promotion this season and as a result Holloway sees Palace as a new opportunity and wants to play his part in that. Glenn Murray on goal scoring form, Wilf Zaha the best player outside the top flight in England make Palace a frightening prospect for opponents, and a joy to watch for supporters. Ipswich were to find this out to their peril in Holloway’s first game in charge.

Following a 2 – 0 win against Blackburn, Ipswich bore the brunt of a rampant Palace as they suffered a 5 – 0 hammering. Glenn Murray netted his second hat-trick of the season with two goals from the spot and he still had the time to miss a penalty. Goals from Bolasie and Moritz framed the Murray hat-trick as Holloway reportedly had to pinch himself to believe how fortunate he was to pick up a job in such good circumstances. Now Ollie just wants to play his part in what is becoming quite an adventure.

My next live game is Derby County on 17th November and this post is written from New Zealand. The fact I am so far away from watching Palace live, following online as the Eagles reach the top of the league gives me time to reflect on how we got here as well as the managerial change. I have reconciled my own feelings about Freedman, wish him well in the future, and thank him for the team he has left behind. The great thing is Ian Holloway is an experienced safe pair of hands who will continue his predecessors’ good work with enthusiasm and great fun.

Regardless of how the season ends we should congratulate ourselves on where we are, enjoy it, and work hard to stay there! Good luck Ollie!! 

Leicester City 1 – 2 Crystal Palace

A cold and sunny autumn afternoon greeted Crystal Palace as they looked for their first ever victory at Leicester’s King Power, formerly Walkers Stadium. This would not be an easy assignment but roared on by a proud sell out away support the Eagles were looking to stretch their unbeaten run to ten matches. Goalkeeper Julian Speroni made his 250^th career first team appearance. Congratulations Jules an achievement to be truly proud of!

Speroni was on good form early on saving well from the lively David Nugent who was supplied by useful crosses from ex Fleetwood man James Vardy. It was Palace who had the better of the early exchanges with Bolasie and Zaha combining well to feed the lone strike man Murray to cause havoc with the Foxes backline. It was this combination that allowed Jonathan Parr to get forward down the left and really test Leicester’s shot stopper Kasper Schmeichel (son of former Manchester United keeper Peter). Yannick Bolasie also went close with a shot from distance.

The breakthrough came on 23 minutes to the delight of a packed away end. A dominant start was rewarded from a set piece when a corner from the left was only parried clear by Schmeichel and Leicester’s defence failed to get any distance on the clearance. Palace defender Damien Delaney, his career enjoying a new lease of life at Crystal Palace kept the ball down and on target to smash through a crowd and give Palace the lead. 1 – 0 became 2 – 0 a mere five minutes later on 28 minutes when another central defender, Peter Ramage, got in on the act. An identical set piece corner was met by Ramage’s unmarked head as he planted the header firmly past the helpless Schmechiel. 2 – 0 and the Palace fans were in raptures.

Given the situation Palace fans deserve a massive amount of credit. Mimicked and mocked by Leicester’s fans as they stole many of our favourite terrace songs and chants. (Imitation is the greatest form of flattery after all!) ‘You’ve nicked all our songs, you’ve nicked all our songs, and shall we write a song for you?’ rang around the away end. Humour was getting us through it and the most important fact; we were taking Leicester’s 100% home record and stretching our unbeaten run to ten games in the process.

At times Palace lived dangerously Speroni made some great saves illustrating why he is such a reliable stalwart between the posts. He now has an appearance record of 250 games equivalent to a quarter of a millennium of appearances. Owen Garvan did well to clear another Nugent effort off the line from a corner with his head. Yet throughout the lively Murray was a threat and Zaha again tormented the Leicester defence, making reference to why he is valued so highly at Crystal Palace and admired and prized by the rest of the country. The fantastic midfield partnership between Mile Jedinak and KG Digkacoi gave steel to the defensive line, keeping the door closed at the back whilst being the engine room for the pace and creativity going forward.

The entire team deserve credit and a massive pat on the back for the professionalism and desire they have shown for the fans in the past week. At Barnsley and Leicester there was no quarter given as they refused to use the situation to justify any sort of excuses. I like a lot of supporters truly appreciate them all for that fact. Despite a stoppage time consolation from Andy King for Leicester Palace won 2 – 1. The result was greeted with delirium by a support that will always be there because of the special club Crystal Palace is. Although hurting there can be no doubt Dougie Freedman has played his part in making sure Crystal Palace remains standing and remains standing with a fantastic legacy in place.

The job for the next man is to continue the job by going in and just managing without reference to supporters emotions because the right pragmatic approach now could have unexpected but great results at the end of the season.    

n.b Blackburn, Ipswich and Peterborough United blog posts may be created late, outside the UK or not at all. Blog returns as per usual for Derby County on 17th  November.                                                        

Samuel

 

     

 

  

Misty Night Misty Minds Yet a Proud Point All the Same!

A first half goal from Glenn Murray was cancelled out by a good strike from Barnsley’s David Perkins just four minutes from the end at Oakwell as the game ended 1 – 1. A difficult night for Crystal Palace both the players and supporters given the managerial situation was characterised by fantastic professionalism from the players backed by loud, proud, and passionate support from the fans. A small band of supporters left stunned and shell shocked by earlier events backed the team and appreciated their efforts in difficult circumstances.

Joel Ward came in for the suspended Dean Moxey as Delaney partnered Ramage in the centre of defence. With Jonathan Parr at left back Andre Moritz came in for the suspended Zaha with Murray playing up front. Garvan, KG and Bolasie and Jedinak played across the midfield. Palace took the lead through a well worked team goal. KG broke up play and combined with the lively Moritz to spread the ball wide to Parr who crossed for Murray to knock in to the net continuing his recent impressive goal scoring record. Palace had a platform to build upon that unfortunately they could not capitalise upon. Yet an impressive defensive performance spearheaded by hard work from the entire team saw the backline breached a mere four minutes from time from a strike from distance.

Potentially Palace lost touch with the top of the table but under the circumstances the team worked incredibly hard and carried a threat on the counter all night through the pace and creativity of Bolasie and Moritz. When one considers Zaha’s absence the depth of Palace’s squad away from home, without a manager Palace have a deeper squad than they have had for a number of seasons. Some of the credit for this could go to Freedman.

Barnsley came into the match in the second half but Palace’s defending was solid and well organised a possible characteristic of Lennie Lawrence and Curtis Fleming who deserve credit for the way they prepared the team and the tactical preparation that went into the game on short notice. The hard work and passion put into the performance by the players was a credit to the team and shows what a great club Crystal Palace is to support. Backed by a loud travelling support Palace left South Yorkshire with a hard earned useful point. Palace travel to league leaders Leicester City on Saturday

    

So Dougie WHY BOLTON?

Immediately prior to our last match Dougie freedman went to odds on favourite for the Bolton Wanderers job. Yesterday afternoon prior to our match against Barnsley Dougie took the job.

Off the back of his first managerial job in football where he cut his teeth in management, an untested rookie with a previously unquestioned legendary status at Crystal Palace walked out on Palace for Bolton. Over ninety games a win ratio of 35.5% why Bolton and does this record and experience really qualify him to work for a club that see themselves through their own eyes as bigger than Palace? Without any legendary status behind him to fall back on and after trumpeting advice to the likes of Wilfried Zaha to stick with the club until the end of the season and try and achieve something and not move before he is ready the question that sticks in my throat is should he not try taking his own advice?

After one managerial job and ninety games like Zaha and Williams as players Freedman has a lot to learn as a manager and with a win ratio of 35.5% a very good Carling Cup run last season and a six match unbeaten run that won Septembers manager of the month award masks a record of one win in 35 games. Between our semi final defeat and first victory this season against Sheffield Wednesday our only victory in the League was Barnsley at home. The start of the season yielded no points from the first three games and indeed had we lost to Charlton he could have been sacked. Yet rightly our board stuck with him on more than one occasion so to go now off the back of six good results smacks of opportunism on Freedman’s part and could be a decision that gets found out.

Clubs that do not appreciate their history often struggle with their identity but Palace does not have this problem. We understand our history and we are fair minded on average players and love our heroes. Dougie was a hero and we all should appreciate the vital part in our history Freedman has played, be it his 11 minute hat-trick against Grimsby in 1996, his club saving goal against Stockport in 2001 or his equally crucial role in Paul Hart’s management team at Hillsbrough in 2010. Yet the reality is now Freedman can only be part of our history and a very divisive figure in that history! His present day decision to walk out for Bolton because he sees them as better suited to serve his ambition to manage in the Premier League is deeply conflicting and divisive on supporters’ emotions towards him. Personally I love Dougie for what he has done for our club but I now feel confused and upset as though an eighteen year relationship has ended suddenly with no chance of being reconciled.

Whatever Freedman’s place in Crystal Palace history his recent conduct smacks of lies and hypocrisy. Telling Zaha to stay and develop at the club before walking away himself without proving himself as a manager first, and stating publicly in the press he does not leave ‘jobs half done’ before walking out for reasons that must be financial when he is close to achievement with Palace, makes the situation for supporters difficult to understand.

Freedman is a coach with a lot of potential yet if it goes wrong for him at Bolton he may have no fallback position because he has split Palace fans emotions in possibly a worse way then Steve Bruce. I stated in my very first Blog post in October 2011 Dougie Freedman was like a guardian of the Palace, a cult hero if you like which makes Freedman’s decision to leave when he was so close to something with apparent lack of care for the supporters given his status at the club confusing, hard to fathom, raw, and painful.

Dougie Freedman managed Crystal Palace from January 2011 – October 2012: 90 matches 32 wins 32 losses 26 draws. Win percentage 35.5%

 

Derby Ends All Square as Palace’s Unbeaten Run Continues!

On Fulltime Palace sit two points off the top of the table following a tempestuous and Physical encounter with rivals Millwall ended all square at Selhurst Park. Was this the curse of the Manager/Player of the Month double Palace had won as the Eagles were pulled back from 2 – 0 up against bitter rivals in front of an expectant and vibrant crowd? Goals in the form of a penalty from Liam Trotter and a bundled second half equaliser from Mark Beevers rescued a point for a physical Millwall.

The penalty saw Palace defender Dean Moxey sent off for deliberate handball stopping a goal bound shot on the line. As a result of the red card Jonathan Parr replaced Owen Garvan to play at left back, and later in the second half, Joel Ward replaced Darcy Blake to play at right back with Ramage partnering Delaney at centre back. Liam Trotter converted the penalty but Palace led 2 – 1 at the break after Millwall wasted a golden chance to equalise when a header rebounded off the crossbar and Ramage cleared. Damien Delaney put Palace 2 – 0 up before the penalty scoring his second goal in as many games with a header unmarked from a free kick. This followed a crisp drive from Mile Jedinak that put the Eagles in front rewarding early pressure.

A physical game saw eleven bookings with Bolasie, Zaha, Delaney, the dismissed Moxey, and goal scorer Jedinak all caught out by the card happy Phil Dowd. Yet the moment that clearly changed the momentum of the match came on 42 minutes when Moxey received his second yellow card and conceded a penalty as Palace failed to make it through to the break with a two goal cushion in tacked. After Trotter scored the penalty the second half was always going to be tough for Freedman’s men as Millwall had the numerical advantage Palace were going to have to work hard defensively to hold on in the second half.

Palace’s attacking instinct so prevalent over the last few matches was gone in the second half as Millwall took control in a dominant second half performance. They exploited their numerical advantage and prevented Palace from winning their sixth straight game yet Palace still remain unbeaten in eight matches. On 77 minutes Beevers prevented Palace going top with a bundled equaliser for Millwall. A tempestuous and physical game ended 2 – 2. In the context of the season this could prove a very useful point. Later results meant Palace cut the deficit to two points at the top of the league with leaders Leicester to come away next Saturday. With Palace also to play Barnsley on Tuesday today’s’ point could be very important.

The unbeaten run continues and although it is frustrating to give away a two goal lead at home, especially to bitter rivals, perhaps it shows some of the defensive frailty and naivety that lets down our excellent attacking play at times. The physical know how and brutality of Millwall’s play ultimately isolated many of our more creative players. Yet ultimately it comes down to the style of play you would prefer to watch and personally give me Freedman’s honest brand of attacking play above Kenny Jackett’s physical and aggressive style of play Millwall adopted any day of the week. Ultimately needs must and if that is the style of play they need to adopt in order to get a result because they cannot cope with Palace’s better play than ultimately Jackett has no choice but to play in that fashion.

This result could prove a valuable lesson to Palace in order to make progress during the remainder of the season. Learn from defensive mistakes, keep the attacking flair and much could be possible in the remainder of the season. The season continues at Oakwell against Barnsley on Tuesday night.          

Freedman’s Fantastic Charges Bring Family Day Cheer to Palace!

A truly incredible afternoon which saw a bumper crowd witness a pulsating 4 – 3 victory as Selhurst thronged with more than 20,000 faithful and for reasons possibly to do with the score line, memories of my first encounter with Crystal Palace came flooding back; April 1990 Palace 4 – 3 Liverpool FA Cup Semi Final that Sunday Lunchtime on TV. How many youngsters experiencing their first taste of football because of Crystal Palace’s family day initiative will be drawn back to Palace because of the vibrancy of the crowd, topsy-turvy nature of the team performance, against a backdrop or red and blue colours and claret and white the exact ingredients that drew me to Palace twenty two years ago. If they have half the fun I have had over the years those young supporters will have quite an experience as they grow up to follow the Palace.

To the game and almost incredibly in a Keeganesque attacking fashion Palace stormed to a victory for the second home game in a row after trailing by two goals. Another Wilfried Zaha inspired phoenix from the flames comeback to quote unquote comfortably win the game at full time. In the week a slip from Delaney gave Wolves a lead only for a Zaha brace to win the match then, this time around Delaney would become the hero with the third goal  following another Zaha brace this time in a 4 – 3 rout.

In much the same way as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley is not a bad side and they played their part in the match scoring three goals away from home. Goals from McCann, Paterson and Austin, (the leading marksman in the division) could have set up a winning away performance yet ultimately Burnley were thwarted by the brilliance of Zaha undoubtedly the best player in the Championship, if not arguably the form player in the country illustrated by his England U21 call up earlier in the week. Single handily he hauled Palace back into the game supplied by the majesty of Palace’s new midfield magician Andre Moritz and the predatory goal instincts of Palace’s in form Renaissance man Glenn Murray. Even substitutes Jonny Williams and Jonathan Parr helped create goals with their first touches after coming on. In the blink of an eye palace went from being out of the match to comfortably in the lead.

Strangely at no point did panic set in to a vibrant old Selhurst instead a rhythmic calm assurance beat around the ground akin to the days of AJ, Dowie, (or dare I say it even Bruce). Like the beating heart of a thoroughbred racehorse Selhurst knew it had the star capable of turning the lock and changing the game in Wilfried Zaha and that is exactly what he did in a twelve minute spell either side of the break. From two down to all square  suddenly Burnley, from exploiting a disjointed defensive Performance by Palace to take a lead were lambs to the slaughter. Two further goals from Delaney and Murray meant the Charlie Austin strike for Burnley was mere consolation. It would be extremely unlucky for Burnley to go away from home again this season score three goals and lose. The brutal reality is at present Palace have a clinical assurance about them that was simply not there at the start of the season. The Burgeoning talent of Williams, Moritz, and Bolassie alongside the explosive brilliance of Wilfried Zaha has led to this rich vein of Palace form. The new Palace fans attracted by this rollercoaster of a match surely cannot be disappointed.

This blog is one year old this week. Thanks to friends who have supported me while writing it. You know who you are. In the past year it has recorded famous away wins at Brighton, Millwall, and Charlton as well as an epic cup run recording a famous Palace victory at the home of the then Champions! Most of all it has recorded a period of stability at Palace and a period of steady progress, brought about by Dougie Freedman his love of the club and the strong working relationship and understanding he has with the owners, his staff, players, and fans. I believe it is Dougie Freedman who will bring success to the club for a long time to come. So happy birthday blog and thank you Dougie for Stockport, Hillsbrough, Hull, Old Trafford and everything else yet to come starting with Millwall after the international break. Bring It On!    

         

Aahh Haa Zaha - Palace Win Again!

Having not travelled to Bolton on Saturday I was eagerly anticipating the trip to Wolves on Tuesday evening. Glenn Murray’s penalty at Bolton secured the Eagles first ever win away against the Trotters in the league and meant Palace travelled to the Wolves undefeated in five games with four wins behind them.

Owen Garvan returned for KG Dikgacoi in midfield and Dean Moxey came in for Jonathan Parr at left back as Dougie Freedman took his charges to one of his former clubs in what would transpire to be a dominant performance. An attacking performance characterised by pace on the wings and pressing quickly closing down space. Jedinak and Garvan controlled the midfield allowing the fantastic Wilfried Zaha supported by Bolassie and Williams to torment a quiet and subdued Molineux. Zaha’s trickery could have been awarded a penalty kick just before half time when a clumsy challenge in the box from Sako went unpunished. The match was littered by bitty and cynical hard challenges which went unpunished by the referee and ultimately would cost Wolves dearly in terms of an injury in the second half.

Although playing a very attractive brand of attacking football it was Wolves who took the lead against the run of play when Sylvain Ebanks Blake capitalised on a slip from Damien Delaney on the edge of the box to give Wolves the lead at the start of the second half. Yet Palace did not give up as over the last month the team have started to believe in Freedman’s philosophy and this has been shown as the team has begun to get their rewards on the pitch. They continued to show work ethic, passing the ball around, pressing Wolves back using pace to their advantage as Wolves subconsciously sat back on their lead.

A lot of petulant challenges went unpunished early in the match by the referee as Wolves tried to combat Palace’s pace, work ethic, and creativity with physicality as challenges flew in on Bolassie and Williams especially in a very heavy fashion. Wolves’ Polish winger Slawomir Peszko was injured in a challenge with Williams that was unintentional but saw the Polish International damage ligaments but hopefully for Wolves he will return soon. The point to remember is no one wants to see players get hurt but if referees do not protect talented players such as Williams or Zaha eventually they will learn self preservation in the tackle without intending to hurt anyone. Jonathan Williams broke his leg last season so he is bound to protect himself in the tackle but he is not a malicious player. If referees do not protect skilful players and cannot control the game they are to blame if it spills over.

In a brilliant piece of management by Dougie Freedman he replaced Williams with Jonathan Parr following the challenge in order to protect his young player from undue abuse from the home crowd or possible retribution in a tackle on the pitch because it was clear at this stage he was a marked man. I think this was a very perceptive piece of man management by Freedman showing how well he reads situations during a game as they develop making sure he protects his players when necessary.

The game changed in a six minute spell during the second half when the brilliant Zaha took control and showed his class. Far and away the best player on the park if not the entire Championship, Zaha is Palace’s game changer and on Tuesday night with support from Garvan, Murray, Bolassie, and later substitute Moritz, he proved to be the match winner. His first goal showed his pace, trickery, and power as a mazy run took him into the area and his shot flew past Wanderers goalkeeper Ikeme in to the net.

 At the far end of the ground crammed into a very comfortable away end we as Palace fans went crazy at the quality of the goal, paying homage to a goal we thought could not be bettered. Yet within six minutes Zaha matched his first strike, turning his marker on the edge of the box unleashing an unstoppable bullet from twenty yards into the top corner. The goal capped a stunning passage of play with Zaha illustrating his sublime ability to change a game instantaneously as the star factor behind work rate and teamwork.

Over the remaining fifteen minutes of the match Palace soaked up any Wolverhampton pressure in a very mature fashion for a young team that is beginning to reflect the character of Freedman as their manager and the fighting spirit of Crystal Palace as a club. The team are clearly enjoying expressing themselves on the pitch and enjoying their football getting results against the likes of Bolton, Wolves, and Cardiff. Joel Ward and Julian Speroni had good games at the back and at the end of the match Freedman and the team were rapturously received by an ecstatic travelling support. We loved and appreciated the acknowledgement from Freedman and the players for our support in what was a challenging match.

We left the Molineux invigorated and singing because of a cracking performance, result and stylish team display. Palace have picked up sixteen points from eighteen points available since losing at Middlesbrough. The team return to Selhurst on Saturday to play Eddie Howe’s Burnley hoping to keep this fantastic six match unbeaten run going. Playing a style of football that is refreshing, exuberant and exciting playing to the team’s strengths whilst keeping feet on the ground to the realities of the Championship at the same time.        

Magical Murray Blasts Hat-trick as Dragons Pay Penalties for Bluebirds Extinction!

Freedman rested Owen Garvan replacing him with summer signing Andre Moritz with Jonathan Williams dropping to the bench to be replaced by Yannick Bolassi. Darcy Blake also returned with Dean Moxey on the bench. This allowed Palace’s wing play so expertly executed against Forest that showed such attacking intent to continue. It turned out to be quite a game with a lot of the rivalry fostered by four matches last season against Cardiff simmering in the background. Challenges were flying in early doors and Palace came out on the front foot yet they proved to again be vulnerable at the back.

 The good intentions to keep Cardiff quiet early on seemed to be undone and the game gone after a quarter of an hour when for all Palace’s endeavour and energy given to them by the marauding free role taken up by Moritz came to nothing when two quick goals for Cardiff put them in complete control. The first goal happened when a deflected Bellamy shot broke to Gunnarson who drifted through the centre of the defence and unaffected by the challenge from the injured Peter Ramage slotted the ball past Julian Speroni. Within two minutes and before Ramage could be replaced Don Cowie turned on the edge of the box rifling the ball into the top corner past Speroni putting Cardiff 2 – 0 up. In the blink of an eye the Dragons had roared and Cardiff were in control at this point there was no sign of what was to come, because the game was Cardiff’s to throw away.

After the second goal the injured Peter Ramage was replaced by Joel Ward who went to right back with Blake switching to centre back with Delaney and Parr continuing at left back. While reorganising Bellamy again broke forward for Cardiff and should have made it three it would only be at full time that the expense of that miss would become clear. Strangely beyond the setback of finding themselves undeservedly 2 – 0 behind Palace were on top in the game and dominating Cardiff and again Bolassi and Zaha provided the pace on the wing with Murray up front harrying to convert the chances. The team were set up in an attacking fashion. Now at two down they had nothing to lose the key was keeping going, and not giving up because this exciting adrenaline fuelled football would be our season so far encompassed in miniature.

A reflection of the rivalry between the sides was illustrated with time running out in the first half. Palace had a throw in and in front of the Cardiff City fans in a confident attempt to time waste the ball was bounced around the stand to waste time ensuring Cardiff went in with a two goal half time lead. As the throw in was taken with a spare ball the original ball was returned to the field. Quite funny if not also frustrating and childish especially when there was still 55 minutes left. What the Bluebird/Red Dragon faithful did not consider is what started in jest would be more damaging to their chances of winning the game when the boot is on the other foot.

The second half really did encapsulate the unpredictability of the Crystal Palace season so far in a mere 45 minutes.  Against Forest and Watford the team were comfortable only to take their foot off the accelerator and drop points because they lost concentration. Against Sheffield Wednesday when all seemed lost and decisions were going against them Palace got riled and roared to an unexpected victory. Against Cardiff Palace dominated the match yet through misfortune found themselves two down at half time almost with nothing to play for. Again they came roaring back, Murray and Zaha showing all their destructive combination play orchestrated by Moritz in midfield with devastating consequences for Cardiff’s chances. It was foolish of Cardiff to waste time prematurely.

On 52 minutes Glenn Murray started a magical half hour for Palace. Brazilian magician Moritz organised a free kick on the edge of the penalty area following a Bolassi surge. The free kick spun over the bar but was deflected off an arm in the wall and Palace had a penalty. Slotted away nicely by Murray Palace were back in the game. Encouraged Palace surged forward, 10 minutes later pressure told, Murray challenged for a ball with Cardiff keeper Marshall following a wonderful lob pass to the edge of the box by Moritz, poking the ball towards goal the spin taking it into an empty net for the equaliser beyond the despairing lunge of the last defender. 2 – 2! Palace were back from the brink in a recovery reflecting the unpredictable nature of the season so far as it appears Palace can win from losing positions as well as lose from winning positions under Freedman in this exciting new 2012/13 campaign.

Selhurst was buzzing pandemonium ensued around the ground Cardiff had thrown it away. On 72 minutes the game was won, a lunging challenge on Jonny Parr won a second penalty for Palace allowing Murray to complete a magical hat-trick. Cardiff were hit by a sucker punch, the ball went for a Cardiff goal kick in front of the Holmesdale Road End the ball disappeared and taken in good humour it returned to the pitch as the spare ball was kicked into play. The boot was on the other foot and time was Palace’s to waste. Ironic two penalties made the difference after the shootout defeat in the semi final last season. A modicum of satisfaction was enjoyed at Cardiff’s expense as Palace continue to develop an attacking system based around high intensity and pace in what is developing into an exciting and unpredictable season.  

           

KG Shines Goal Scorers Light Through Red Mist of Forest Yet no Trees Get Torn Up in Draw!

Forests indiscipline during the second half probably cost them victory at Selhurst Park. At the start of the evening Freedman made three changes from the victory over Charlton at the Valley. Goal scoring hero KG Dikgacoi kept his place with Williams replacing Bolassi to allow for the systems of wingers to continue. Changes at the back meant Ward returned for Darcy Blake and Moxey come in for Parr at left back all of whom that dropped out started on the bench.

A cold autumnal night greeted the players and the atmosphere although fair with over 14,000 in attendance seemed slightly anticlimactic following as it did the night of colour and noise at the Valley so continental in fashion. The empty spaces in the Arthur Waite and the Main stand did not really help but a full and noisy Holmesdale Road end more than made up for this. ‘NUMBER ONE in SOUTH LONDON’ ringing around the ground. Indeed for the first time this season Palace seemed comfortable in their home surroundings intent on making the cold midweek South London environment play out to their advantage old school style. Similar to the Neil Warnock era or going back even further Trevor Francis’s period in charge.

Palace started on fire KG and Mile Jedinak really got to grips with the midfield allowing Zaha and Williams to attack with pace down the flanks fizzing balls across the box for Murray to nearly connect with. The South African KG Dikgacoi would again have a busy night. His status already raised to hero thanks to his goal against Charlton would be raised to goal machine by notching his fourth goal of the season already. In fact he has nearly matched his entire tally of the previous campaign, the only downside he may wake up a headache more on that later.

The referee set the tone for the match early on, allowing challenges slide from both sides certainly worthy of a free kick if not a card. In the second half this early leniency seemed to frustrate and get to forest as the referee tightened up the discipline and gave more decisions. I noticed from the stand at half time forest players talking to the referee before the start of the second half obviously annoyed at something. Within fifeteen minutes this would transpire to a total loss of discipline as on 63 minutes Adlene Guedioura saw red for retaliating at KGs head out of frustration over not getting a free kick. KG would later go off with a concussion but not before again putting Palace into the lead.

On 50 minutes a beautifully curled trajectory on an Owen Garvan corner allowed the Jedi(nak) to pressurise the keeper, Camp, and leaping like a salmon at the back post KG headed the ball back past the goalkeeper and the ball nestled neatly low inside the far post. Guedioura’s red card should have been curtains for Forest and had Zaha scored off a Murray knock down it would have been. Despite a fantastic performance from Williams on the wing in his first start of the season and able support from Bolassi as a second half substitute for Williams Palace’s inability to convert another chance meant Forest were always in the game.

So it proved despite a good all round performance deserving of a victory Palace were pegged back. On 81 minutes Dexter Blackstock was played in off a slide rule pass from the edge of the area to beat the on rushing Speroni to the ball sliding it into an empty net. Fair credit to the Forest fans who had been expertly deployed en masse on coaches from Nottingham with almost military precision for a Tuesday night. The goal was greeted with relief rather than exuberant celebrations or that is how I picked it as I ear wigged Forest fans conversations as I left the cold but beautiful old ground behind me.

Palace were unfortunate not to win showing great attacking creativity with the addition of Bolassi and Williams to the squad a sign the manager is developing a system using wingers which was also deployed successfully in the match against Charlton. Although we did not win a good lesson key to all football games had been taken on board since Watford at Selhurst on opening day. Keep the door closed and if you are unfortunate enough not to win and for Palace’s endeavour they were unfortunate make sure you do not lose it and in this case palace more than deserved the point. Job done lads your learning! Well done!

The next game up is Cardiff City and defeat on penalties in the League Cup Semi Final still hurts hence the drop off in my writing post February 2012. I disappeared to an ice rock to gather my sorrows (Canada to visit mum and dad) and as we know the season tailed off. Now is a new season Cardiff now play in red and the Doog is building a new squad. Let us all hope I can put pen to paper on a resounding victory and performance as we put our blue days well and truly behind us!      

 

KG Shines as Palace Bring Touch of Continental Flair to the Circus Top that is the Valley!

A cold, crisp, early autumnal Friday night was given a real continental atmosphere from the terraces as an exuberant and passionate away support understood the importance of the first South London derby of the season. Palace’s first trip to the Valley since a 1 – 0 defeat in 2009 was lit up from the terraces with echoes of fire crackers and the pungent aroma of red and blue smoke that drifted across the sky, warming the cold night air. The message from the Palace support was clear they were up for the challenge.

The Palace team responded to the noise and colour coming from the terraces very much on the front foot and attacking from the off.  Palace made one change from the line up against Sheffield Wednesday with Kagisho Dikgacoi replacing Andre Moritz in midfield after recovering from injury after the international break. In the first ten minutes Garvan and Jedinak were commanding opening up space on the flanks for Bolassi and Zaha to torment Charlton. Palace’s degree of control was based on work rate, pressing, tracking back and generally keeping a good team shape. Freedman understands the crucial importance of the derby games in South London football and again he impressed this onto the team and the players responded. Jonathan Parr led a focussed defence and inspired by the atmosphere they kept a clean sheet for the first time this season as with Speroni behind him his understanding with Blake and Delaney continued to develop.

The game flowed in an open fashion and Charlton came into it indeed the game could have gone differently because despite having the early chances and the run of the game Palace could have been on the back foot if Bradley Wright-Phillips headed finish from a free kick not been disallowed for offside. Towards the end of the first half a Johnny Jackson free kick went narrowly wide and Jan Kermorgant forced a good save from Speroni as his shot went narrowly over. Yet Palace’s running and movement especially from Glenn Murray meant they pressed very well and for large periods were good at keeping the ball as they fed off the electricity coming from the crowd.

Freedman is unbeaten since taking over in South London Derby clashes and victory on Friday night meant he completed the set with away victories at Brighton Millwall and now Charlton. The result was important to keep the momentum of the previous victory against Sheffield Wednesday and having not won away all year and having lost seven of the last nine meetings against Charlton a shift in fortunes was equally important. The result relieved the pressure on Freedman showing he understood the importance of the fixture recognising its significance and his ability to get results when it matters.

The key moment of the game came on 49 minutes four minutes into the second half when KG Dikgacoi brilliantly dispatched a chest trap volley into the net on the half turn. Charlton failed to clear a Wilf Zaha corner and when the cross was flicked on by Garvan and touched to KG by Murray he turned dispatching the volley into the net past Ben Hamer giving the keeper no chance. The South African had been in Brazil on international duty and Freedman wondered whether he had picked up some samba skills because the Scott said he had not picked up the technique from him. The goal sent the travelling fans into raptures and was met by more fire crackers as the continental atmosphere from the terraces clearly inspired the team.

What followed was an inspired victory built on hard work, pressing, keeping a shape, and penetration based around the disciplined running and tireless work rate of Glenn Murray. Yet defensive perspiration and element of good fortune and a change of luck was still required. The goal from Wright-Phillips was ruled out for offside because Darcy Blake’s slip was not seen by the linesman and in the last ten minutes Jedinak headed off the line following a fantastic save from Julian Speroni. Then in stoppage time goalkeeper Ben Hamer had a header again cleared off the line when he came up for a corner. What followed was the final whistle sparking scenes of delirious celebration at the Jimmy Seed end of the ground as palace recorded their first win at the Valley in the league since 1968.

A foot note to my own season so far watching Palace away from home. The fact my train home from Waterloo after the game broke down for three hours and left me stranded at Mortlake station at 01:30 with network rail picking up the tab for a taxi the rest of the way home gave me time to reflect upon Palace’s own travails on the road this calendar year. On the away trip to Bristol the roads were gridlocked by a bomb scare and the journey was delayed for two hours. Not sure of the relevance of this is but we lost 4 – 1 in Bristol but the most daunting and outwardly complicated away day, to Boro, turned out to be the most straightforward with the best performance prior to winning at Charlton.

I guess this shows things can turn around when you least expect it because of footballs propensity to surprise. No doubt an interesting and exciting season experience will continue against a reinvigorated Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.

 

 

      

 

   

 

Brilliant Bolassi Sparks Magic Murray as Eagles Stalk Owls and Finally Fly!

Palace got off the mark in the league on Saturday finally recording their first win of the season at home to Sheffield Wednesday, thanks to a brace from Glenn Murray on his return from injury. The big difference came with the home debut of ex Bristol City winger Yannick Bolassi who connected wonderfully in terms of an understanding with Wilf Zaha. Indeed management worked wonders with Zaha to keep him at the club by the end of the transfer window. It took a mere thirty seconds for Glenn Murray to slot home a Bolassi cross from the right who himself was played in by another influential Brazilian home debutant Andre Moritz. The instant understanding struck up between Zaha, Bolassi and Moritz is an exciting prospect for Crystal Palace going forward in terms of attacking football.

Other useful contributions included the home debuts of defender Darcy Blake as well as Damian Delaney signed as a free agent on deadline day following his release by Ipswich Town. Another useful impact substitute was striker David Goodwillie signed from Blackburn Rovers at the same time and he played the support role to Murray cleverly as a second half replacement for Moritz. The link up play between Wilf Zaha and Yannick Bolassi illustrated a fantastic understanding that cut through Wednesday at will, shown by the goal scored after just thirty seconds when Murray slotted home what is thought to be the fastest goal ever scored at Selhurst Park. The arrival of Darcy Blake and Damian Delaney solidified Palace’s defence and Julian Speroni made two or three excellent saves to rescue the team when the backline was breached, illustrating a return to form.

This appeared a more stable Palace performance with some of Freedman’s transfer window signings showing early signs of promise in terms of moulding together into a strong unit. The half time substitution of Blake who was replaced by Dean Moxey illustrated some of the old defensive frailties in the Palace backline were returning. On 55 minutes Wednesday bundled in an equaliser after Antonio connected with a corner. Following this Freedman responded with positive changes and the introductions of Jonathan Williams and Palace’s new number nine, until January at least, David Goodwillie. This was done with the intention of pressing Wednesday back to re-establish the lead that was so desperately needed.

What followed was one of the strangest incidents of a referee losing control of a game I have ever seen. I maintain the episode nearly worked against Palace with the score at 1 – 1, and I agree with Wednesday boss Dave Jones it changed the atmosphere in the stadium and in the crowd and ultimately cost Wednesday dearly.  Zaha’s trickery in the box led to the referee awarding a penalty kick. Straightforward enough until Chris Kirkland the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper frogmarched a delegation of diplomats from Sheffield, namely his defence to the linesman dragging the referee with them. The Wednesday backline harangued the officials forcing them into a mind change that removed the offer of a penalty to Palace and somehow led to a Wednesday free kick. When this decision was explained to Palace representatives chaos ensued for about five minutes with ugly scenes akin to a bear pit on and off the field that illustrated the referee had lost control.

Fortunately this incident did not ultimately influence the result as on the field Palace kept their nerve and it did not affect the attacking flow of the game as Freedman’s side remained offensively dominant. On 83 minutes the breakthrough came. Played through by the superb seventeen year old pocket rocket Jonny Williams, Zaha skimmed his marker and crossed for Murray to superbly convert the centre and smash the ball past the now pantomime villain Kirkland into the back of the Sheffield Wednesday net. Palace won the match 2 – 1 deservedly getting their first three points of the season ending Dave Jones’s eighteen match unbeaten start as Wednesday boss in the process.

It was seen as a result to reward fan loyalty by Palace boss Freedman, rather than as a sign of relief at ending a poor run of form. The manager now faces the international break with Palace in a healthier state. The first points of the season are on the board and the squad is in place and the task that lies ahead for the team is now clear. The management now have the international break to put across their ideas and push up the league.

Having seen games away in Bristol, Middlesbrough, and Preston without reward prior to the international break the Palace faithful no doubt felt the reward of victory against Wednesday at the weekend. Now enjoyment can be taken from watching England under Hodgson in the World Cup Qualifiers with relief points are on the board. Many fans may even be excited by the prospects of new signings Moritz, Bolassi and co linking up with Zaha to give Charlton the run around at the Valley on Friday week. Indeed that match televised on Sky is the first of this seasons highly anticipated South London Derbies. No better time for Palace's season to truely get started.