Crystal Palace (with English players only)

[GrahamNZ4]

Peter Castle is out for another 3 weeks.
Danny Granville has served out his suspension and is now available again.

Our next match at Ipswich is a crucial one as they are top of the table and we don't want those sides at the top opening too big a gap on us.

Championship (Match 16) - Ipswich Town v Crystal Palace

S.Carson (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), D.Carter (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Andrew Johnson capitalises on a defensive error to put Palace 1-0 up in the 18th minute.


The referee had been quite liberal with the yellow card and I took both Danny Granville and Tom Soares off during the second spell as they had incurred the ref's wrath. On to replace them came Martin Cranie and Jason Puncheon.

This was our most onesided match of the season and we should have been more than one goal ahead. Then this.......



Darren Bent gets a rare opportunity and takes full advantage of it to make the score 1-1.

There's no justice in this match, that's for sure!
Darren Bent breaks our hearts in the 84th minute, this header giving Scott Carson no chance. Ipswich undeservedly up 2-1 with time running out.


No fairytale finish for Palace, the final score 2-1 to Ipswich Town.

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 17) - Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace

R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), M.Hudson (CD), E.Boyce (CD), J.Saunders (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), C.Porter (ST), D.Blackstock (ST)

Adam Smith wastes a one on one chance in the 17th minute, hitting the post when it looked easier to score - one of the worst misses of the season!


Ben Watson makes no mistake in the 22nd minute though as he puts Palace ahead 1-0


Paul Evans scores in the 50th minute with a blistering shot after dribbling past two defenders. Nottingham Forest deservedly equal at 1-1.


Kevin Hunt just three minutes later! Nottingham Forest now leading 2-1


Final score 2-1 to Forest and we're near the wrong end of the table!

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 18 ) - Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), D.Carter (CM), K.Nolan (CM), A.Lennon (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Disaster in the 2nd minute when Mark Hudson is sent off for bringing down a Brighton player from behind!
John Saunders brought on to shore up the defence with poor old Darren Carter making way for him. Three now in midfield - Soares, Nolan and Lennon.

And to add to my woes, Solomatin scores from the resulting free kick! We're not only down to 10 men, but we're also 1-0 down.


Chris McPhee adds to our misery in the 37th minute. Brighton up 2-0 now.


Neil Shipperley pulls one back with a brilliant overhead kick in the 44th minute! 2-1 to Brighton.


Final score: Crystal Palace 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

[GrahamNZ4]

League Cup Quarter Final - Stoke City v Crystal Palace

Our strongest lineup possible for this one!
We also get to see one of our earlier transfer targets, Jermaine Palmer, in action.

R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), E.Boyce (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), D.Carter (CM), K.Nolan (CM), A.Lennon (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

An early wake up call for us as Adi Akinbiyi puts Stoke 1-0 up in just the 3rd minute!


And try as we might to get back into the game, Stoke's stout defense coupled with a lack of bite in our attack saw Stoke pull off a marvellous victory to go through to the semi finals.

Final score 1-0 to Stoke City.

As for Jermaine Palmer, he didn't really strike fear into hearts, so it's probably not a big deal that we failed to get him!

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 19) - Crystal Palace v West Ham United

On display in the opposition side today, Bobby Zamora, another of the strikers we looked at before signing on Chris Porter and Dexter Blackstock.

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), E.Boyce (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), T.Soares (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), D.Blackstock (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Andrew Johnson scores a spectacular goal after only 2 minutes!


Oh Andrew - why couldn't you do that in the cup!

Kevin Nolan scores a tame goal following up a free kick. Crystal Palace 2-0 up in the 57th minute. Surely the English lads can't blow it this time!


The Hammers come close to scoring here, but were generally harmless in their efforts.


Final score 2-0 Palace.

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 20) - Cardiff City v Crystal Palace

R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), D.Carter (CM), A.Lennon (RM), C.Porter (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Andrew Johnson heads home to open the scoring in the 20th minute. 1-0 Crystal Palace


Darren Carter makes it 2-0 in the 37th minute as he powers in a header.


Chris Porter joins in the goalfest, scoring in the 40th minute to put Palace 3-0 ahead.


Cardiff's Mark Peters trudges off dejectedly in the 76th minute, having been sent off for a second booking.


Final score 3-0 to visiting Crystal Palace.

[chrislouieII]

Relegated from the Prem, and now your in the Relegation places of the Championship - what's gone wrong!

[GrahamNZ4]

Originally Posted by chris louie II

Relegated from the Prem, and now your in the Relegation places of the Championship - what's gone wrong!

LOL - there's a long way to go yet. I don't expect to stay in the relegation zone, but it doesn't look like we'll be gaining promotion this season!

Thanks for continuing to read my story and post feedback.

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 21) - Crystal Palace v Barnsley

Central defender Peter Castle is off the injury list, but is still regaining fitness.

R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), D.Carter (CM), K.Nolan (CM), A.Lennon (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Neil Shipperley really should score here in the 26th minute, but he heads just wide. The score remains 0-0.


Andrew Johnson bursts through to latch onto a Kevin Nolan free kick and place the ball wide of the Barnsley keeper. Palace 1-0 up in the 67th minute of a gruelling and bruising encounter.


Final score: 1-0 to Crystal Palace. Another valuable win as we attempt to climb up the table.

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 22) - Norwich City v Crystal Palace

S.Carson (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), D.Carter (CM), K.Nolan (CM), A.Lennon (RM), D.Blackstock (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Darren Huckerby gives the home fans something to cheer about, scoring in the 12th minute.


Huckerby does it again in the 25th minute. Norwich 2-0


More action in the 37th minute. Palace keeper Scott Carson denies Huckerby his hat trick with a nice save, but Jonathan Worthington is on hand to poke the ball in. Norwich running away with it at 3-0!


Jim Brennan makes it 4-0 on the stroke of halftime. Poor old Scott Carson is having a game he'd rather forget!


The halftime roasting had little effect. Darren Huckerby scores a memorable hat trick with a scorching shot in the 54th minute.


Kevin Nolan (just out of frame) spares us some blushes as he hammers home after the Norwich keeper had parried Andrew Johnson's effort. 5-1 Norwich in the 76th minute.


The afternoon's frustrations take their toll on Fitz Hall!


The final whistle is a godsend. How will I explain this performance to the Board?

[mashnkg]

Unlucky defeat by Norwich, I still maintain that you will bounce back. Not this season though...

Keep On Playing & KUTGW

[GrahamNZ4]

Originally Posted by mashnkg

Unlucky defeat by Norwich, I still maintain that you will bounce back. Not this season though...

Keep On Playing & KUTGW

Cheers. Thanks for your comments. It gets a bit discouraging writing a story without much feedback.

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 23) - Crystal Palace v Millwall

The big derby and we're pumped for it.
The team doctor tells me that all members of the squad are fit and available for selection.
Ground security has been boosted to deal with the infamous Millwall supporters.

R.Hoult (GK), M.Cranie (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), C.Porter (ST)

The first half proved to be a torrid affair with Palace applying most of the pressure. In this piece of action, Chris Porter almost scores a spectacular goal, but the ball flies over the bar.


However it was the visitors who opened the scoring after a quick breakout in the 45th minute. Curtis Weston the scorer. 1-0 Millwall.


Neil Shipperley with the equaliser in the 80th minute, heading in a cross after a scintillating run down the right flank by Mark Hudson. 1-1


Final score 1-1

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 24) - Stoke City v Crystal Palace

Time to lock horns again with the team that destroyed our League Cup dream!
Interesting to note that young striker Jermaine Palmer is on the bench for Stoke today.

R.Hoult (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), P.Castle (CD), E.Boyce (RB), T.Soares (LM), D.Carter (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

After a scoreless first half in which Stoke wasted two glorious chances, Palace hit the lead in the 57th minute with a terrific header from Neil Shipperley. 1-0 Palace.


Stoke hit straight back though with Adi Akinbiyi scoring in the 63rd minute. 1-1


But Kevin Nolan is quick to put us back in front with a thunderbolt that leaves the Stoke keeper with no cjhance! 2-1 Palace in the 66th minute.


Stoke's Wayne Thomas gets his marching orders after pulling down Neil Shipperley as he was heading for the box. An uphill task has just become a lot steeper for the home side!


Andrew Johnson cements revenge for us with this 78th minute strike. 3-1 Crystal Palace.


Final score 3-1 Crystal Palace over Stoke City. Revenge is sweet!

[mashnkg]

Do not get discouraged about it m8. As long as you enjoy doing it it is Ok. A lot of people are reading the diaries...That much should be a motivational factor. I do not mind the replies I get...As always they are appreciated.

KUTGW

[GrahamNZ4]

Originally Posted by mashnkg

Do not get discouraged about it m8. As long as you enjoy doing it it is Ok. A lot of people are reading the diaries...That much should be a motivational factor. I do not mind the replies I get...As always they are appreciated.

KUTGW

Yeah - the good thing about a forum in this format is that you can see the number of views that you've had.

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 25) - Crystal Palace v Watford

Young keeper Scott Carson given a chance to redeem himself today after his shocker at Norwich. With an experienced defence in front of him, all eyes will be on him to see how he performs.

S.Carson (GK), D.Granville (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), D.Carter (CM), K.Nolan (CM), A.Lennon (RM), D.Blackstock (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Carson was tested several times in the first half, but stood up to the pressure with some wonderful saves. Here a shot flashes past his outstretched hand and goes wide, but he looked to have it well covered anyway.


Disaster in the 50th minute when Peter Castle is sent off after bringing down a Watford player lining up a shot on the edge of the box!


Darren Carter is pulled off so that Martin Cranie can bolster the defence. We're now playing a 4-3-2 formation.

Paul Devlin makes us pay from the ensuing free kick and we're 1-0 down and with 10 men on the field. Can the boys salvage something from the game?


Scott Carson pulls off a wonderful reflex save, Palace with a quick counterattack and Dexter Blackstock drills a shot into the bottom corner. 10 man Palace are level 1-1 after 58 minutes.


Palace were creating just as many chances as the visitors despite being one man short. The crowd goes crazy as ace midfielder Kevin Nolan puts us in front in th 74th minute! 2-1 Palace.


Watford go oh so close to equalising in the 80th minute, but the attacker fails to connect with the diving header and the ball is cleared to safety!


Palace hold on to score a heroic 2-1 come from behind victory with just 10 players!

For those interested, here's the Premiership table at the halfway stage of their season.

[mashnkg]

Interesting to see where Manchester Unites sits. Tough season for them indeeed.

Where are you sitting currently? Are you clear off drelegation?

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 26) - Sunderland v Crystal Palace

R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), A.Lennon (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Andrew Johnson opens the scoring straight after a stirring halftime talk! Palace up 1-0 after 47 minutes.


Danny Granville makes a desperate tackle on the edge of the box and pays the price. I bring him off as a precaution and on runs young Martin Cranie against his old side!


That early goal in the second spell was enough to take the three points and we're now not far off competing for the playoff spots!
Central defender Fitz Hall picked up his second man of the match award in recent weeks and is playing out of his skin at present.

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 27) - Plymouth Argyle v Crystal Palace

R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), E.Boyce (CD), J.Saunders (RB), T.Soares (LM), D.Carter (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), C.Porter (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Plymouth's Hasney Aljofree receives the yellow card in the 8th minute after a brutal challenge on Andrew Johnson. Johnson limps off to be replaced by Neil Shipperley.


Stephen Milne puts the home side ahead against the run of play. Plymouth 1-0 up after 28 minutes.


A brilliant piece of goalkeeping denies Palace an equaliser just moments later!


Palace grab a deserved equaliser in the 43rd minute as Tom Soares (out of shot to the left) heads home from the umpteenth corner. The pressure finally tells and it's 1-1.


The second half was proving to be an exciting affair with chances at both ends.

The ball hits the post with the keeper beaten in the 79th minute and Palace have a lucky escape!


The afternoon's injury list grew for visiting Palace when stalwart central midlielder Kevin Nolan was cut down in the dying minutes of the game.

Final score 1-1

[GrahamNZ4]

Bad news during the week with the announcement that Kevin Nolan's season is over due to a ruptured cruciate ligament.
Kevin is our midfield general and has played more games this season than anybody else in the squad.
It will now be up to Ben Watson to reproduce his good form of last season as he teams up with Darren Carter in central midfield.

Promising 22 year old central defender Mikele Liegertwood left us to head off to Premiership side Preston Northend, taking the opportunity of a release clause in his contract.
It's disappointing to lose a player of his class even though he had spent the season to date in the Reserve side. He will be sorely missed as cover for the first team and his good mate Andrew Johnson was particularly saddened to see his best mate leave.

The January transfer window is now open, but we must sell before we can buy!

Andrew Johnson's injury is thankfully not a serious one and he'll be back in action soon.

Championship (Match 28 ) - Crystal Palace v Walsall

R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), D.Carter (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), D.Blackstock (ST)

No goals in this game despite plenty of action. Peter Castle collected yet another red card after pulling down a Walsall attacker as he was lining up a shot in the 85th minute.
Ben Watson was taken off to bring on an extra defender, Emmerson Boyce. Soares, Carter and Piper now making up a three man midfield with the team adopting a 4-3-2 formation.

The closest either team got to scoring was in the 59th minute when this Dexter Blackstock shot defeated the Walsall keeper, but hit the far post before rebounding into play and being cleared.


Final score 0-0

[GrahamNZ4]

English Cup (3rd Round) - Arsenal v Crystal Palace

R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), D.Carter (CM), A.Lennon (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

The opening half hour was a torrid affair with the ref going to his pocket three times for the yellow card.
Then sensation in the 37th minute when he took particular exception to a Fitz Hall tackle and to everybody's surprise, out came the red card!
I was furious and had to be restrained from doing or saying something I might regret. As if our task wasn't difficult enough already!
Now we had a real battle on our hands!


As left back Danny Granville had already been yellow carded, I didn't want to take further risks, so a double substitution was made.
Off came Granville and midfielder Ben Watson. On came left back Martin Cranie and central defender Emmerson Boyce.
We have switched to the 4-3-2 formation normally employed under such circumstances with Tom Soares in left midfield and Aaron Lennon on the right moving closer in to support central midfielder Darren Carter.

But is a miracle about to happen!

Palace won a corner in the 53rd minute and Neil Shipperley beat the Arsenal keeper to the ball to power in a great header. 1-0 Crystal Palace!


Man of the match Russell Hoult pulled off several absolutely brilliant saves during the second half to deny Thierry Henry in particular. Several other shots went perilously close including this one.


Despite all the pressure from the home side, 10 man Palace kept their more fancied rivals from scoring and the miracle was complete!
Crystal Palace 1-0 winners over the mighty Arsenal!

[mashnkg]

Good win against Arsenal

[GrahamNZ4]

Originally Posted by mashnkg

Good win against Arsenal

A major shock indeed!

Thanks for the encouragement.

[GrahamNZ4]

Championship (Match 29) - Rotherham United v Crystal Palace

Many changes for this match to keep all squad members happy!

S.Carson (GK), M.Cranie (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), D.Carter (CM), A.Lennon (RM), D.Blackstock (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Rotherham keeper Mike Pollitt makes a wonderful save midway through the first half, pushing away a fierce free kick.


Oh no - not again! Give me a break!


Poor old Ben Watson again taken off to bring on defender Emmerson Boyce. The 4-3-2 formation gets more practice!

Scott Carson's turn to display his skills as Rotherham try to press home their advantage.


Darren Carter spurns a great opportunity in the 75th minute.


Scott Carson goes up to gather a corner as Rotherham try desperately to convert their advantage of 11 against 10.


Final score 0-0