Crystal Palace (with English players only) - Page 15

GrahamNZ4 · 31-07-2005, 01:49 AM

Premier League (Match 18 ) - Crystal Palace (121) v Liverpool (109)

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), W.Routledge (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), P.Crouch (ST), C.Porter (ST)

The Liverpool team for today's match:

The biggest crowd under my spell as Palace manager will be urging us on today with 37,000 fans packed into the stadium as renovations take effect. 8-)

The understrength visitors come at us with a hiss and a roar and Sebastian Mila shocks us in the 30th minute. Liverpool take a 1-0 lead!

Djibril Cisse goes close in the 44th minute when his free kick hits the post. We're really under the hammer here!

Peter Crouch equalises on the stroke of halftime and it's 1-1 at the break.

Ben Watson wastes a glorious chance to put us ahead in the 51st minute!

Left back Martin Cranie had received an earlier booking, so I called him from the field in the 65th minute and sent Danny Granville on in his place. Granville was fired up to make amends for giving up a crucial penalty in our last outing.

Although we dominated the second spell, we just couldn't score the winner.
Final score: Crystal Palace 1 Liverpool 1

Chelsea have now leapfrogged us into second spot on the table.

GrahamNZ4 · 31-07-2005, 01:52 AM

Premier League (Match 19) - Wolverhampton Wanderers (10

v Crystal Palace (121)

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Barnett (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), C.Porter (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Our opponents today:

Henri Camara skips past an attempted tackle and looks odds on to score in just the 2nd minute, but Scotty Carson bravely goes down at his feet as he pulls the trigger!

Palace had a great chance to take the lead in the 30th minute, but Kevin Nolan was uncharacteristically off target!

The teams went into halftime with the score locked at 0-0.

Both central defender Mark Hudson and pivotal central midfielder Kevin Nolan had received yellow cards during the first spell, so I took them both off in the 64th minute.
Luke Chambers came on into central defence and Nolan's central midfield spot was taken over by Darren Carter with substitute Matthew Piper going into right midfield.

No sooner had the changes been made than a scrambled clearance from a corner fell to Carter on the edge of the area. His thunderous shot flew into the net and we were ahead! Palace 1-0 in the 66th minute.

Wolves were playing well and we had Scotty Carson to thank for the position we were in.
Then in the 77th minute Darren Carter again provided a moment of class with a lovely through ball that put Andrew Johnson into space. Johnson then showed all his experience to curl his shot around Kwon and into the far corner. Wolves 0 Palace 2.

Chris Brunt volleys home from close range in the 89th minute after Scotty Carson is stranded following a sweet lob over his head. 2-1 Palace with just minutes remaining.

Final score: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 Crystal Palace 2

A long overdue win and hopefully our form is returning.
With another big game coming up against second placed Chelsea we'll soon find out!

The points table at the mid point of the season:

And for those interested, here's the top of the Championship table at present:

GrahamNZ4 · 31-07-2005, 03:25 AM

Huge game today with the pretty boys from Stamford Bridge paying us a visit and second place on the points table at stake.

Premier League (Match 20) - Crystal Palace (121) v Chelsea (150)

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), D.Blackstock (ST), C.Porter (ST)

And presenting the pretty boys!

However I wasn't laughing after events in the 15th minute!

Luke Chambers pulls down Andre Muff just outside the area and picks up a yellow card for his troubles.
Up steps Adrian Mutu and puts the free kick expertly into the top corner, leaving Scotty Carson with no chance. Chelsea 1-0.

Hernan Crespo is disappointed with his 38th minute effort.

I made a double substitution in the 65th minute with both yellow carded right back Luke Chambers and out of form striker Dexter Blackstock coming off.
Leon Barnett coming on in Chambers place and Peter Crouch taking Blackstock's spot up front.

No sooner had I made the double substitution than this happened!

Central defender Fitz Hall sent off in the 69th minute. Just what we didn't need! :shock:
Experienced left back Danny Granville was sent on to fill the hole at the back with central midfielder Kevin Nolan coming off to accommodate him.
Even though Granville is a specialist left back, his experience means that I prefer him to cover central defence rather than Martin Cranie. This isn't the first time Granville has filled this role, having done admirably on other occasions when required.
We've switched to 4-3-2 formation with the midfield trio of Jason Puncheon, Ben Watson and Darren Carter moving closer together.

There was no further scoring. We went close to equalising, but Espen Johnsen pulled off a stupendous save to put a Chris Porter effort round the post.

Final score: Crystal Palace 0 Chelsea 1 and the capacity crowd had to trudge home disappointed. The pretty boys had the last laugh!

During the week, the Middlesborough manager approached me expressing an interest in right back/central defender Emmerson Boyce who was once a first team squad member, but has been languishing in the reserves since I signed Leon Barnett.

mashnkg · 01-08-2005, 06:10 AM

Great updates. Unfortunate losses against the best in the league. I was hoping that you will have the upper hand.

GrahamNZ4 · 01-08-2005, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mashnkg

Great updates. Unfortunate losses against the best in the league. I was hoping that you will have the upper hand.

Cheers Mash!

GrahamNZ4 · 04-08-2005, 12:00 PM

Central defender Fitz Hall has a one match ban whilst right midfielder Matthew Piper's injury will see him out of action for a couple of weeks.

Today we host newly promoted Leeds United who're finding the going tough as they struggle near the foot of the table.

Premier League (Match 21) - Crystal Palace (11 v Leeds United (113)

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), P.Crouch (ST), C.Porter (ST)

The Leeds lineup for todays game:

Martin Woods gets the visitors off to a dream start as he arrows a shot in off the far post in just the 4th minute! 1-0 Leeds.

Peter Crouch gets us back on level terms with a great goal in the 24th minute. Palace 1 Leeds 1.

Peter Crouch is just off target with a header in the 36th minute as we start to get on top.

Midway through the second spell I made a double substitution. Both left back Martin Cranie and central defender Mark Hudson had received bookings and so I took both off. Danny Granville came on at left back and Leon Barnett came on at right back with Luke Chambers moving into central defence.

But it wasn't until the 87th minute that we were able to put the gritty Leeds side away, Peter Crouch getting on the end of a Darren Carter cross to give Ronald Waterreus no chance. 2-1 Palace and the fans are happy!

Final score: Crystal Palace 2 Leeds United 1

GrahamNZ4 · 04-08-2005, 12:01 PM

Birmingham City made an approach during the week regarding the availability of our keeper Scotty Carson. It didn't take me much time or many words to dismiss their interest!

Next up an important match at 4th placed Aston Villa. We need at least a draw to maintain 3rd ahead of them.
With central defender Mark Hudson serving out a ban, Fitz Hall returns from his ban to take a place in today's starting lineup.

Premier League (Match 22) - Aston Villa (137) v Crystal Palace (11

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), P.Castle (CD), F.Hall (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), C.Porter (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

The strong Villa side taking the field against us today:

Thomas Hitzlsperger has been our undoing in the past and he put us behind early yet again as he beautifully glanced home a shot following a 6th minute corner. 1-0 Villa.

Chris Porter was having a quiet day up front, so I took him off midway through the second half and sent last week's hero, Peter Crouch, on to partner Andrew Johnson in attack.

Almost immediately Kevin Nolan got us back in the game with an absolutely stunning overhead kick in the 71st minute! 1-1.

But Aston Villa playmaker Gustavo Boccoli had been having a key influence in the game and in the 76th minute, he put the home side back in front and deservedly so. 2-1 Villa.

Andrew Johnson almost equalises in the 79th minute as we come storming back, but his header sneaks just past the post!

However there was no miracle for us today and the final score was:
Aston Villa 2 Crystal Palace 1.

We've now slipped to fourth on the table.

After having their interest in Scotty Carson nipped in the bud, Birmingham came back with a big 9.45 million pound offer! As his market value is about 3.5 million, I was sorely tempted, especially considering that we're 12 million in debt. However I had to resist temptation as Carson is a key member of our side!

Right back/central defender Emmerson Boyce completed his 1.5 million pound move to Middlesborough and I'm hoping that some of our other highly rated, but unwanted reserve team players might stir some interest on the transfer market also!

chrislouieII · 04-08-2005, 03:54 PM

4th place - Your in a Champions League position

(Seeing as the last time I read this, you were in the Championship relegation places

)

The diary is good, great use of screenshots and that - but it needs storylines!

Fds264 · 05-08-2005, 02:49 PM

Brilliant diarie so far but like chris loue said needs a story line

GrahamNZ4 · 05-08-2005, 07:46 PM

This is just my style of diary fellas. Some prefer story lines, some don't. :P

However I do appreciate that you both took time time to have a look and to comment.

GrahamNZ4 · 07-08-2005, 09:24 AM

English Cup (Round 3) - Leyton Orient (89) v Crystal Palace (11

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), P.Castle (CD), F.Hall (CD), L.Barnett (RB), W.Routledge (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), D.Blackstock (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Our opponents today playing in front of a capacity home crowd:

Wayne Routledge floats in a dinky little cross in the 16th minute and Andrew Johnson places his header beyond the keeper's reach. 1-0 Palace.

The Orient keeper fails to clear the ball and is left stranded after the ensuing scramble. Dexter Blackstock is happy to accept the gift opportunity and we're 2-0 up in the 52nd minute.

Central defender Peter Castle fails to properly control a through ball in the 64th minute and is robbed by Thomas Curle who steams on past to slot the ball past Scotty Carson. The Orient supporters are on their feet cheering wildly as their side is back in with a chance! 2-1 Palace.

But their hopes are shortlived! :P
Andrew Johnson beats Leighton Walker (appropriate name that!) to the ball to head into the top corner. Palace 3-1 up in the 71st minute.

Loyal midfielder Wayne Routledge doesn't get much game time, but does not grizzle about it. When he gets on the scoresheet in the 77th minute following a Ben Watson corner, his team mates swarm around to congratulate him. Palace running away with it now at 4-1.

The closest that the home side came to scoring after this was when a shot hit the post following a Gabriel Zakuani free kick late in the game.

Final score: Leyton Orient 1 Crystal Palace 4 and we're safely into the next round! 8-)

GrahamNZ4 · 07-08-2005, 09:25 AM

Right midfielder Matthew Piper came off the injury list during the week meaning that all first team squad members are currently fit and available.

Premier League (Match 23) - Crystal Palace (123) v West Ham United (11

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), P.Crouch (ST), C.Porter (ST)

Introducing the Hammers!

Peter Crouch puts a great opportunity wide in the 21st minute as play swings from end to end.

This was proving to be a game of missed opportunities as both teams squandered numerous chances. West Ham came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 40th minute, but although the shot got past Scotty Carson, it hit the post and was cleared!

Midway through the second spell, I brought central defender Mark Hudson and striker Chris Porter off. Both had received yellow cards and I was unwilling to take risks with them. Porter had been having a disappointing game to boot!
Dexter Blackstock came on to partner Peter Crouch up front and Leon Barnett came on into right back with Luke Chambers moving into central defence.

Then in injury time we struck to steal the three points with Peter Crouch heading home the winner! 1-0 Palace with the visiting players looking understandably distraught.

Final score: Crystal Palace 1 West Ham United 0

We'll need to show better form for our visit to Stamford Bridge up next!

GrahamNZ4 · 07-08-2005, 09:25 AM

A big match today as we visit second placed Chelsea!

Premier League (Match 24) - Chelsea (143) v Crystal Palace (120)

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), D.Blackstock (ST), C.Porter (ST)

The Chelsea lineup for today's encounter:

Rafael Van Der Vaart puts Chelsea 1-0 up in the 22nd minute with a stunning goal!

Ben Watson goes close to equalising in the 31st minute with a flying header going just over the bar!

The Palace lads came out fired up after the break following a rousing speech from yours truly! Dexter Blackstock heads just wide after good build up play in the 51st minute.

Not the first time we've been denied by an in form Espen Johnssen in this match. Here Ben Watson can't get past him in the 55th minute.

Paulo Ferreira makes a strong run down the right, angles in towards the area and slides the ball sweetly into the path of Eidur Gudjohnsen who leaves Scotty Carson with no chance. 2-0 Chelsea in the 58th minute.

And that was the way it stayed. We had an equal number of opportunities during the match, but the Chelsea defence and keeper were watertight!

Final score: Chelsea 2 Crystal Palace 0

The January transfer window has now closed and this is our first team squad to see us through the season:

Our top reserve team lineup:

blairaiiwilliam · 08-08-2005, 03:38 AM

retire b4 u get relegated m8! also change ur english only policy

GrahamNZ4 · 08-08-2005, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blairaiiwilliam

retire b4 u get relegated m8! also change ur english only policy

That's really positive!

I wanted as tough a challenge as possible with a Premiership side, so I chose "Football God" mode and with the English players only policy for that reason. :P

Fds264 · 08-08-2005, 11:39 AM

good place for a freshly promoted team guess we have a manager of importance in our midst

GrahamNZ4 · 09-08-2005, 08:34 AM

Remember I got relegated in my first season and spent two seasons in the Championship before getting back into the Premier League. This is my second season back at the top, so my fifth season in the job.

Tealey7 · 09-08-2005, 10:45 AM

ur reserve team goalie looks gd. how old is he? someone for the future if hes only 18 or early 20s

GrahamNZ4 · 09-08-2005, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealey7

ur reserve team goalie looks gd. how old is he? someone for the future if hes only 18 or early 20s

Joe Hart is 20 yrs old from memory. I'll confirm next time I play.

Tealey7 · 09-08-2005, 12:21 PM

if hes young hes deffo someone for the future

blairaiiwilliam · 13-08-2005, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrahamNZ4

Quote:

Originally Posted by blairaiiwilliam

retire b4 u get relegated m8! also change ur english only policy

That's really positive!

I wanted as tough a challenge as possible with a Premiership side, so I chose "Football God" mode and with the English players only policy for that reason. :P

im jst having a laugh...us aussies dont like New Zealanders doing well!!

klashnekoff nth · 21-08-2005, 06:13 PM

oi graham do you want a new kit for palace

GrahamNZ4 · 21-08-2005, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klashnekoff nth

oi graham do you want a new kit for palace

How easy is it to put into the game as I've not done anything like that before?

Aleksandr Hleb · 30-12-2005, 09:23 PM

PLEASE...

Continue Graham...

Stunning Diary...Carry on...

GrahamNZ4 · 01-01-2006, 02:49 AM

English Cup (Round 4) - Crystal Palace (119) v Manchester City (11

Our lineup for today's match:

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), C.Porter (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

The Manchester City side:

We almost got off to a great start in the 13th minute as Chris Porter was put through. However he dragged his shot wide and it remained scoreless.

Andrew Johnson manages to get a header in, but without enough freedom to direct it past David James. Action from the 31st minute.

Our defense had been coping with the dual threat of Robbie Fowler and Antoine Sibierski well.
A header from Wright-Phillips shortly after the break was the only semblance of a chance that the visitors had had up to this point!

David James has to scramble to block a Matthew Piper header in the 60th minute and the defence clears to safety.

And then disaster in the 64th minute as Wright-Phillips runs onto a deep through ball to power home the opening goal against the run of play!
Crystal Palace 0 Manchester City 1
(screenshot unavailable)

Spurred into action, Palace came roaring back at City and Kevin Nolan almost equalised with a 69th minute header.

We used up all three subs at this point with Leon Barnett coming into central defense in place of yellow carded Mark Hudson, Darren Carter taking over from Matthew Piper on the right flank and Peter Crouch on for Chris Porter up front.

The substitutions pay almost immediate dividends as Peter Crouch directs a fine header past David James to make the score 1-1 in the 73rd minute.

However our joy is shortlived. With the game opening up, Wright-Phillips blasts a great shot past a despairing Scotty Carson and the visitors lead 2-1 in the 77th minute!

And that was how it finished. The Palace fans trudging home in despair as we exit the English Cup.

01-08-2005, 06:10 AM	#354 (permalink)
mashnkg Rookie Join Date: May 2005 Location: South Africa Posts: 342	Great updates. Unfortunate losses against the best in the league. I was hoping that you will have the upper hand. __________________

04-08-2005, 03:54 PM	#358 (permalink)
chrislouieII Elite Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: United Kingdom Age: 19 Posts: 7,092	4th place - Your in a Champions League position (Seeing as the last time I read this, you were in the Championship relegation places ) The diary is good, great use of screenshots and that - but it needs storylines! __________________ The Complex II Global World Sport - PM me if you want to join the project.

08-08-2005, 03:38 AM	#364 (permalink)
blairaiiwilliam Rookie Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 76	retire b4 u get relegated m8! also change ur english only policy __________________ I want to be in Chris Louie's spamming police....Yea Right

30-12-2005, 09:23 PM	#374 (permalink)
Aleksandr Hleb Forum Guru Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,202	PLEASE... Continue Graham... Stunning Diary...Carry on... __________________

31-07-2005, 01:49 AM	#351 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 18 ) - Crystal Palace (121) v Liverpool (109) S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), W.Routledge (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), P.Crouch (ST), C.Porter (ST) The Liverpool team for today's match: The biggest crowd under my spell as Palace manager will be urging us on today with 37,000 fans packed into the stadium as renovations take effect. 8-) The understrength visitors come at us with a hiss and a roar and Sebastian Mila shocks us in the 30th minute. Liverpool take a 1-0 lead! Djibril Cisse goes close in the 44th minute when his free kick hits the post. We're really under the hammer here! Peter Crouch equalises on the stroke of halftime and it's 1-1 at the break. Ben Watson wastes a glorious chance to put us ahead in the 51st minute! Left back Martin Cranie had received an earlier booking, so I called him from the field in the 65th minute and sent Danny Granville on in his place. Granville was fired up to make amends for giving up a crucial penalty in our last outing. Although we dominated the second spell, we just couldn't score the winner. Final score: Crystal Palace 1 Liverpool 1 Chelsea have now leapfrogged us into second spot on the table.

31-07-2005, 01:52 AM	#352 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 19) - Wolverhampton Wanderers (10 v Crystal Palace (121) S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Barnett (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), C.Porter (ST), A.Johnson (ST) Our opponents today: Henri Camara skips past an attempted tackle and looks odds on to score in just the 2nd minute, but Scotty Carson bravely goes down at his feet as he pulls the trigger! Palace had a great chance to take the lead in the 30th minute, but Kevin Nolan was uncharacteristically off target! The teams went into halftime with the score locked at 0-0. Both central defender Mark Hudson and pivotal central midfielder Kevin Nolan had received yellow cards during the first spell, so I took them both off in the 64th minute. Luke Chambers came on into central defence and Nolan's central midfield spot was taken over by Darren Carter with substitute Matthew Piper going into right midfield. No sooner had the changes been made than a scrambled clearance from a corner fell to Carter on the edge of the area. His thunderous shot flew into the net and we were ahead! Palace 1-0 in the 66th minute. Wolves were playing well and we had Scotty Carson to thank for the position we were in. Then in the 77th minute Darren Carter again provided a moment of class with a lovely through ball that put Andrew Johnson into space. Johnson then showed all his experience to curl his shot around Kwon and into the far corner. Wolves 0 Palace 2. Chris Brunt volleys home from close range in the 89th minute after Scotty Carson is stranded following a sweet lob over his head. 2-1 Palace with just minutes remaining. Final score: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 Crystal Palace 2 A long overdue win and hopefully our form is returning. With another big game coming up against second placed Chelsea we'll soon find out! The points table at the mid point of the season: And for those interested, here's the top of the Championship table at present:

31-07-2005, 03:25 AM	#353 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Huge game today with the pretty boys from Stamford Bridge paying us a visit and second place on the points table at stake. Premier League (Match 20) - Crystal Palace (121) v Chelsea (150) S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), D.Blackstock (ST), C.Porter (ST) And presenting the pretty boys! However I wasn't laughing after events in the 15th minute! Luke Chambers pulls down Andre Muff just outside the area and picks up a yellow card for his troubles. Up steps Adrian Mutu and puts the free kick expertly into the top corner, leaving Scotty Carson with no chance. Chelsea 1-0. Hernan Crespo is disappointed with his 38th minute effort. I made a double substitution in the 65th minute with both yellow carded right back Luke Chambers and out of form striker Dexter Blackstock coming off. Leon Barnett coming on in Chambers place and Peter Crouch taking Blackstock's spot up front. No sooner had I made the double substitution than this happened! Central defender Fitz Hall sent off in the 69th minute. Just what we didn't need! :shock: Experienced left back Danny Granville was sent on to fill the hole at the back with central midfielder Kevin Nolan coming off to accommodate him. Even though Granville is a specialist left back, his experience means that I prefer him to cover central defence rather than Martin Cranie. This isn't the first time Granville has filled this role, having done admirably on other occasions when required. We've switched to 4-3-2 formation with the midfield trio of Jason Puncheon, Ben Watson and Darren Carter moving closer together. There was no further scoring. We went close to equalising, but Espen Johnsen pulled off a stupendous save to put a Chris Porter effort round the post. Final score: Crystal Palace 0 Chelsea 1 and the capacity crowd had to trudge home disappointed. The pretty boys had the last laugh! During the week, the Middlesborough manager approached me expressing an interest in right back/central defender Emmerson Boyce who was once a first team squad member, but has been languishing in the reserves since I signed Leon Barnett.

04-08-2005, 12:00 PM	#356 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Central defender Fitz Hall has a one match ban whilst right midfielder Matthew Piper's injury will see him out of action for a couple of weeks. Today we host newly promoted Leeds United who're finding the going tough as they struggle near the foot of the table. Premier League (Match 21) - Crystal Palace (11 v Leeds United (113) S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), P.Crouch (ST), C.Porter (ST) The Leeds lineup for todays game: Martin Woods gets the visitors off to a dream start as he arrows a shot in off the far post in just the 4th minute! 1-0 Leeds. Peter Crouch gets us back on level terms with a great goal in the 24th minute. Palace 1 Leeds 1. Peter Crouch is just off target with a header in the 36th minute as we start to get on top. Midway through the second spell I made a double substitution. Both left back Martin Cranie and central defender Mark Hudson had received bookings and so I took both off. Danny Granville came on at left back and Leon Barnett came on at right back with Luke Chambers moving into central defence. But it wasn't until the 87th minute that we were able to put the gritty Leeds side away, Peter Crouch getting on the end of a Darren Carter cross to give Ronald Waterreus no chance. 2-1 Palace and the fans are happy! Final score: Crystal Palace 2 Leeds United 1

04-08-2005, 12:01 PM	#357 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Birmingham City made an approach during the week regarding the availability of our keeper Scotty Carson. It didn't take me much time or many words to dismiss their interest! Next up an important match at 4th placed Aston Villa. We need at least a draw to maintain 3rd ahead of them. With central defender Mark Hudson serving out a ban, Fitz Hall returns from his ban to take a place in today's starting lineup. Premier League (Match 22) - Aston Villa (137) v Crystal Palace (11 S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), P.Castle (CD), F.Hall (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), C.Porter (ST), A.Johnson (ST) The strong Villa side taking the field against us today: Thomas Hitzlsperger has been our undoing in the past and he put us behind early yet again as he beautifully glanced home a shot following a 6th minute corner. 1-0 Villa. Chris Porter was having a quiet day up front, so I took him off midway through the second half and sent last week's hero, Peter Crouch, on to partner Andrew Johnson in attack. Almost immediately Kevin Nolan got us back in the game with an absolutely stunning overhead kick in the 71st minute! 1-1. But Aston Villa playmaker Gustavo Boccoli had been having a key influence in the game and in the 76th minute, he put the home side back in front and deservedly so. 2-1 Villa. Andrew Johnson almost equalises in the 79th minute as we come storming back, but his header sneaks just past the post! However there was no miracle for us today and the final score was: Aston Villa 2 Crystal Palace 1. We've now slipped to fourth on the table. After having their interest in Scotty Carson nipped in the bud, Birmingham came back with a big 9.45 million pound offer! As his market value is about 3.5 million, I was sorely tempted, especially considering that we're 12 million in debt. However I had to resist temptation as Carson is a key member of our side! Right back/central defender Emmerson Boyce completed his 1.5 million pound move to Middlesborough and I'm hoping that some of our other highly rated, but unwanted reserve team players might stir some interest on the transfer market also!

05-08-2005, 02:49 PM	#359 (permalink)
Fds264 Rookie Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 8	Brilliant diarie so far but like chris loue said needs a story line

05-08-2005, 07:46 PM	#360 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	This is just my style of diary fellas. Some prefer story lines, some don't. :P However I do appreciate that you both took time time to have a look and to comment.

07-08-2005, 09:24 AM	#361 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	English Cup (Round 3) - Leyton Orient (89) v Crystal Palace (11 S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), P.Castle (CD), F.Hall (CD), L.Barnett (RB), W.Routledge (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), D.Blackstock (ST), A.Johnson (ST) Our opponents today playing in front of a capacity home crowd: Wayne Routledge floats in a dinky little cross in the 16th minute and Andrew Johnson places his header beyond the keeper's reach. 1-0 Palace. The Orient keeper fails to clear the ball and is left stranded after the ensuing scramble. Dexter Blackstock is happy to accept the gift opportunity and we're 2-0 up in the 52nd minute. Central defender Peter Castle fails to properly control a through ball in the 64th minute and is robbed by Thomas Curle who steams on past to slot the ball past Scotty Carson. The Orient supporters are on their feet cheering wildly as their side is back in with a chance! 2-1 Palace. But their hopes are shortlived! :P Andrew Johnson beats Leighton Walker (appropriate name that!) to the ball to head into the top corner. Palace 3-1 up in the 71st minute. Loyal midfielder Wayne Routledge doesn't get much game time, but does not grizzle about it. When he gets on the scoresheet in the 77th minute following a Ben Watson corner, his team mates swarm around to congratulate him. Palace running away with it now at 4-1. The closest that the home side came to scoring after this was when a shot hit the post following a Gabriel Zakuani free kick late in the game. Final score: Leyton Orient 1 Crystal Palace 4 and we're safely into the next round! 8-)

07-08-2005, 09:25 AM	#362 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Right midfielder Matthew Piper came off the injury list during the week meaning that all first team squad members are currently fit and available. Premier League (Match 23) - Crystal Palace (123) v West Ham United (11 S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), P.Crouch (ST), C.Porter (ST) Introducing the Hammers! Peter Crouch puts a great opportunity wide in the 21st minute as play swings from end to end. This was proving to be a game of missed opportunities as both teams squandered numerous chances. West Ham came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 40th minute, but although the shot got past Scotty Carson, it hit the post and was cleared! Midway through the second spell, I brought central defender Mark Hudson and striker Chris Porter off. Both had received yellow cards and I was unwilling to take risks with them. Porter had been having a disappointing game to boot! Dexter Blackstock came on to partner Peter Crouch up front and Leon Barnett came on into right back with Luke Chambers moving into central defence. Then in injury time we struck to steal the three points with Peter Crouch heading home the winner! 1-0 Palace with the visiting players looking understandably distraught. Final score: Crystal Palace 1 West Ham United 0 We'll need to show better form for our visit to Stamford Bridge up next!

07-08-2005, 09:25 AM	#363 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	A big match today as we visit second placed Chelsea! Premier League (Match 24) - Chelsea (143) v Crystal Palace (120) S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), D.Carter (RM), D.Blackstock (ST), C.Porter (ST) The Chelsea lineup for today's encounter: Rafael Van Der Vaart puts Chelsea 1-0 up in the 22nd minute with a stunning goal! Ben Watson goes close to equalising in the 31st minute with a flying header going just over the bar! The Palace lads came out fired up after the break following a rousing speech from yours truly! Dexter Blackstock heads just wide after good build up play in the 51st minute. Not the first time we've been denied by an in form Espen Johnssen in this match. Here Ben Watson can't get past him in the 55th minute. Paulo Ferreira makes a strong run down the right, angles in towards the area and slides the ball sweetly into the path of Eidur Gudjohnsen who leaves Scotty Carson with no chance. 2-0 Chelsea in the 58th minute. And that was the way it stayed. We had an equal number of opportunities during the match, but the Chelsea defence and keeper were watertight! Final score: Chelsea 2 Crystal Palace 0 The January transfer window has now closed and this is our first team squad to see us through the season: Our top reserve team lineup:

08-08-2005, 11:39 AM	#366 (permalink)
Fds264 Rookie Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 8	good place for a freshly promoted team guess we have a manager of importance in our midst

09-08-2005, 08:34 AM	#367 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Remember I got relegated in my first season and spent two seasons in the Championship before getting back into the Premier League. This is my second season back at the top, so my fifth season in the job.

09-08-2005, 10:45 AM	#368 (permalink)
Tealey7 Forum Guru Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,249	ur reserve team goalie looks gd. how old is he? someone for the future if hes only 18 or early 20s

09-08-2005, 12:21 PM	#370 (permalink)
Tealey7 Forum Guru Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,249	if hes young hes deffo someone for the future

21-08-2005, 06:13 PM	#372 (permalink)
klashnekoff nth Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 3,683	oi graham do you want a new kit for palace

01-01-2006, 02:49 AM	#375 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	English Cup (Round 4) - Crystal Palace (119) v Manchester City (11 Our lineup for today's match: S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), L.Chambers (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), C.Porter (ST), A.Johnson (ST) The Manchester City side: We almost got off to a great start in the 13th minute as Chris Porter was put through. However he dragged his shot wide and it remained scoreless. Andrew Johnson manages to get a header in, but without enough freedom to direct it past David James. Action from the 31st minute. Our defense had been coping with the dual threat of Robbie Fowler and Antoine Sibierski well. A header from Wright-Phillips shortly after the break was the only semblance of a chance that the visitors had had up to this point! David James has to scramble to block a Matthew Piper header in the 60th minute and the defence clears to safety. And then disaster in the 64th minute as Wright-Phillips runs onto a deep through ball to power home the opening goal against the run of play! Crystal Palace 0 Manchester City 1 (screenshot unavailable) Spurred into action, Palace came roaring back at City and Kevin Nolan almost equalised with a 69th minute header. We used up all three subs at this point with Leon Barnett coming into central defense in place of yellow carded Mark Hudson, Darren Carter taking over from Matthew Piper on the right flank and Peter Crouch on for Chris Porter up front. The substitutions pay almost immediate dividends as Peter Crouch directs a fine header past David James to make the score 1-1 in the 73rd minute. However our joy is shortlived. With the game opening up, Wright-Phillips blasts a great shot past a despairing Scotty Carson and the visitors lead 2-1 in the 77th minute! And that was how it finished. The Palace fans trudging home in despair as we exit the English Cup.