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!!!