Crystal Palace (with English players only)

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 02:36 AM

SENSATION!

Sensation in the London newspapers as the Crystal Palace board unveiled their new manager Graham Banks.
With the influx of overseas players into the English game, many have feared for the future of the English football. Therefore the announcement that from hereon in Crystal Palace would buy and field only English players met with approval from many.

Looking at my new squad, I quickly determined that I hurriedly needed to buy in a keeper, a left midfielder and central midfielder in order to field a 4-4-2 formation.
With David James, Chris Kirkland and Paul Robinson all disinterested in transferring, Russell Hoult was approached and agreed to make the move from WBA. I also signed promising 17 year old keeper Joe Hart from Shrewsbury as an investment for the future.
With J.Jenas refusing my advances to lure him away from Newcastle, I found that central midfielder Kevin Nolan was keen for a change and so I was happy to purchase him from a reluctant Bolton. My scouts were deployed to look at some promising youngsters who play left midfield with the decision made to use Tom Soares in that role for the time being. I definitely need another couple of midfielders to provide depth though.
David Unsworth has been approached with a view to using him at left back or in a central role. Danny Granville might not be too happy about this though!
The scouts have also been deployed to look at some promising young strikers. A further striker is desirable to back up Neil Shipperley, Andrew Johnson and Wayne Andrews and it needs to be a good one!

Big names put on the transfer list as a result of the new English only policy include: J.Kiraly, J.Speroni, C.Berthelin, G.Sorondo, M.Hughes, J.Kolkka, D.Freedman, S.Torghelle, I.Kaviedes and N.Ventola.

Friendly v Scarborough

The lineup for my first match in charge:

R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (CD), T.Soares (CD), B.Watson (CD), K.Nolan (CD), T.Black (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST).

Shipperley opens the scoring. 1-0 Crystal Palace

Nolan scores on debut with the ball going in off the post! 2-0 Crystal Palace

Johnson steers the ball past the frustrated Scarborough keeper. 3-0 Crystal Palace midway through the first half.

Nolan blasts in a screamer. 4-0 Crystal Palace at halftime.
Tommy Black picked up a booking during the first half and was replaced by Wayne Routledge for the second spell.

Shipperley scores the first goal after halftime. 5-0 Crystal Palace

Andrew Johnson helps himself to a second. 6-0 Crystal Palace and that's the way it finished with Kevin Nolan deservedly taking the man of the match award.

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 05:27 AM

Negotiations aimed at bringing Sunderland midfielder Darren Carter to Crystal Palace broke down during the week. The two clubs had agreed a deal, but the Crystal Palace board were not prepared to meet Carter's demands.
Hopes of boosting the squad were further dashed when David Unsworth decided to go to Bolton rather than us.
However there was some good news when we picked up right midfielder Matthew Piper from Sunderland on a free due to a release clause in his contract.

Offers are coming thick and fast for some of our transfer listed players. Shaun Derry has gone to Newcastle and I'm expecting an exodus of others during the week as other Premiership clubs agree terms.

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 06:07 AM

Friendly v Luton Town

New signing Matthew Piper came into the lineup, replacing Tommy Black at right midfielder. So the team for this match:

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

Luton provided a real contest for most of the first half before Ben Watson opened the scoring, powering in a header. 1-0 Crystal Palace

Mark Hudson was replaced by Emmerson Boyce at the break after picking up a yellow card.

Andrew Johnson puts the game beyond doubt in the second half. 2-0 Crystal Palace and that is how it remained. Ben Watson was named man of the match.

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 07:07 AM

Gonzalo Sorondo has moved to Newcastle, Kit Symons to Bolton and Ivan Kaviedes to Blackburn.
I am hoping to pick up Aaron Lennon, a promising 17 year old RM from Leeds, as further investment for the future. He was recommended as a good buy by my scout. Contract terms have almost been agreed.

Friendly v Manizales

Lineup unchanged: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Neil Shipperley opens the scoring in the 3rd minute. 1-0 Crystal Palace

After Neil Shipperley scores a second goal (camera malfunction meant that this was not recorded on tape!), Andrew Johnson powers one in to make the score 3-0 to Crystal Palace late in the first half.

Neil Shipperley scores from a corner to collect a hat trick. 4-0 Crystal Palace the final score with Shipperley understandably man of the match.

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 08:22 AM

Friendly v Sarajevo

Lineup: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperly (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

After a lacklustre first half, the home side takes a shock lead in the 65th minute when Fitz Hall fails to stop the ball crossing the line after a shot deflects off the inside of the post.
Crystal Palace are unable to equalise and suffer a shock loss in their last warm up game before the Premiership gets underway. Manager Graham Banks is understandably annoyed!

During the week there is a lot of transfer activity at the club:

OUT
M.Hughes to Birmingham
A.Riihilahti to Rotherham
N.Ventola to Middlesborough
J.Kolkka to Newcastle
D.Freedman to Middlesborough
T.Popovic to Norwich

IN
Aaron Lennon completes his move from Leeds
Jason Puncheon (LM/CM) joins us from Milton Keynes Dons

And so to the opening day of the Premier League, away to Norwich!

Premier League - Norwich v Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

After two substitutions in the 63rd minute (M.Piper off after a disappointing performance - J.Puncheon into LM with T.Soares going to RM, M.Hudson replaced by E.Boyce after being yellowcarded), Crystal Palace pick up a free kick just outside the box. The ball passed in by Danny Granville, fellow defender D.Butterfield moves onto it nicely and pokes it past the advancing keeper! 1-0 Crystal Palace and the visiting fans erupt!

Russell Hoult parries away a shot in the last minute, the ball is cleared and the final whistle blows! A great start to the relegation battle from the English lads! Man of the match Danny Butterfield clapped off by his team mates.

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 09:47 AM

During the week, we welcomed 17 year old central defender Peter Castle into the fold from Reading.
With spare money from the exodus of overseas players, the club has invested in upgrading the Youth facilities to Level 6. With the English only policy, picking up some talented youngsters will be vital to the future success of the club.

Premier League - Crystal Palace v Everton

Crystal Palace: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CD), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

After earlier clipping the outside post, Duncan Ferguson powers a header over Russell Hoult to put Everton 1-0 up in the 34th minute. The first genuine goal Hoult has conceded in Crystal Palace colours.

Danny Butterfield replaced by Emmerson Boyce midway through the second half.
Late in the second half with time running out, Kevin Nolan shows great composure to run onto a through ball and slot it into the far corner. 1-1 and the home fans go dilerious! The final whistle blows moments later and it's all over!

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 11:06 AM

Premier League (Game 3) - Crystal Palace v Chelsea

Matthew Piper rested to give Tommy Black a run. Looking to give Wayne Andrew a bit of game time if possible as his morale is slipping.

Crystal Palace: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), T.Black (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

After soaking up a lot of pressure in a scoreless first half, Crystal Palace go behind when Damien Duff makes the breakthrough in the 49th minute. 1-0 Chelsea

Two substitutions made midway through the second half.
Jason Puncheon going to LM and Tom Soares moving into Kevin Nolan's CM slot (Nolan taken off having picked up a yellow card earlier).
Wayne Andrews coming in in place of Andrew Johnson.

Despite creating a couple of late opportunities, heavily favoured Chelsea held on to win 1-0. Still a good spirited display by the young Palace side though.

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 11:27 AM

Premier League (Game 4) - Middlesborough v Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterworth (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

And who should be in the opposing lineup, but our old mate Dougie Freedman, brimming with confidence as his new side lie third in the Premiership table!

A fantastic start for Crystal Palace with Andrew Johnson scoring with a great header in the 15th minute.
And then Neil Shipperley added this second goal midway through the first half. 2-0 Crystal Palace!

And it could quite easily have been three when a stunning Danny Granville free kick rebounded off the foot of the post in the 37th minute.

However a rampant Palace were not to be denied as Kevin Nolan got his retribution for some fierce tackling against him by shimmying past a defender and slotting home a great goal just before the break. 3-0 Crystal Palace!

Wholesale changes were made at halftime to give some of the bench players a run.
Wayne Andrews came on in place of Andrew Johnson, Peter Castle came on to replace Fitz Hall and Emmerson Boyce slotted into RB in place of Danny Butterworth.
That meant that Palace had two 17 year olds on the field with both Tom Soares and Peter Castle coming out for the second half!

No further goals were added in the second spell with Middlesborough surprisingly lacking any real bite in attack.
Final score 3-0 to Crystal Palace!

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 12:25 PM

League Cup - Reading v Crystal Palace

A much changed lineup for this match with those squad members usually sitting on the bench being given a chance to show their talents!
Martin Cranie (17 year old LB/CD) joined us from Southampton just before the transfer window closed and will make his debut straight away.
Reserve keeper Lance Cronin (18 years old) and veteran CD Darren Powell also get a game.
Wayne Andrews will partner captain Neil Shipperley up front.
CD Peter Castle playing against his old team mates!
This is a huge gamble on my part and I'm a little worried, but to be honest our main aim this season is to avoid relegation as we build for the future!

Neil Shipperly hits the post in the 37th minute, but James Harper puts the home side ahead in the 44th minute and deservedly so as it has been they who have been pressing for most of the half. 1-0 Reading

The second half was a classic cup tie. Palace came out fighting, but all to no avail as the home side held firm and then clinched it in the final seconds with Ibrahima Sonko crashing home a loose ball in the box following a corner.
Final score 2-0 Reading and Crystal Palace bundled out of the cup.

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 01:17 PM

Premier League (Match 5) - Portsmouth v Crystal Palace

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

Matthew Piper went down in agony in the 19th minute and had to be taken off. On came Jason Puncheon as LM with Tom Soares moving over to RM.
Midway through the first half, Portsmouth were awarded a penalty when Fitz Hall clipped the heels of Vincent Pericard in the box. To rub salt into the wound it was David Unsworth who converted it! 1-0 Portsmouth

Portsmouth went 2-0 ahead in the 61st minute when P.Berger volleyed home superbly.
Crystal Palace made their two final substitutions in an effort to get back into the game - Martin Cranie on for Danny Granville and Wayne Andrews on for Andrew Johnson.
But it was Portsmouth's day as Vincent Pericard secured the win with a superb turn and shot. 3-0 Portsmouth

Final score 3-0 to the home side Portsmouth with keeper Shaka Hislop awarded man of the match for a dominant aerial display.

Golden Wonder 65 · 05-06-2005, 05:42 PM

well done pompey

,big congrats on being 4th on the table though

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 10:04 PM

Thanks for the feedback. It's nice to get comments from those following the story. More later,

Graham.

rawand777 · 05-06-2005, 10:51 PM

I like this diary

make sure you keep up the great work.
Your doing great

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 10:54 PM

More on Matthew Piper's injury. He has a ruptured medial ligament and will be out of action until mid November at least, taking into account that he'll need to regain his fitness.

Premier League (Game 6) - Crystal Palace v Manchester City

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

Palace did most of the attacking in the first half with Manchester City getting most of their opportunities on the breakaway. However a brilliant display from David James saw his side go into halftime still at 0-0.
Then one of those dangerous Manchester City counterattacks saw the visitors pull ahead shortly into the second half as Steve McManaman raced onto a through ball and outpaced the defenders. 1-0 Manchester City

The pendulum had swung and it was now the home side defending grimly, looking for the chance to sweep up the field in search of an equaliser.
Tommy Black was ineffectual down the right flank, so on came Jason Puncheon at LM with the versatile Tom Soares again switching to RM.
But David James was like an impenetrable fortress and the English youngsters suffered another disappointing loss at home.
Final score 1-0 to Manchester City.

GrahamNZ4 · 05-06-2005, 11:34 PM

Premier League (Game 7) - Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

R.Hoult (WK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), W.Routledge (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

The decision to play Wayne Routledge at RM to add more sting down the flanks paid immediate dividends in the 10th minute when he crossed for Ben Watson to head in the opening goal. 1-0 Crystal Palace

However, the joy was shortlived as Lee Hendrie hit back for Villa in the 14th minute. 1-1

Lee Hendrie was having a whale of a game and in the 31st minute, he was through again. Russell Hoult brilliantly parried the shot from close range, but the ball looped up and dropped into the net as poor Russell regained his feet and could only watch helplessly. 2-1 Aston Villa

Thomas Sorenson kept Villa in the lead with four wonderful saves before the break as Palace pressed for the equaliser. Exciting stuff!
Then disaster in the 53rd minute as Mark Hudson picked up a second yellow card and was on his way back to the dressing room.
A reshuffle saw Wayne Routledge and Kevin Nolan replaced by Martin Cranie and Aaron Lennon. Cranie on to fill the void at the back left by Hudson's departure leaving a 3 man midfield combination of Soares, Watson and Lennon.
Then this!

Juan Pablo Angel heads in at the near post to put Villa 3-1 ahead.

Andrew Johnson almost grabs a consolation goal in the dying minutes, but the ball goes over the bar and it finishes 3-1 to Villa. Lee Hendrie man of the match.

GrahamNZ4 · 06-06-2005, 12:40 AM

Premier League (Match 8 ) - Crystal Palace v Fulham

We're well and truly in the dogfight at the wrong end of the table now and desperate to stop the rot. A crucial game today against Fulham and a few changes to the starting linep:

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

Looking for a big game from captain Neil Shipperley who has been a bit quiet of late!
No screenshots to show for this game which ended in a drab 0-0 draw, but at least we've put a stop to the string of losses!

GrahamNZ4 · 06-06-2005, 12:55 AM

Premier League (Match 9) - Bolton Wanderers v Crystal Palace

R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), T.Black (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

Ben Watson opens the scoring in the 35th minute with a nicely placed shot into the top corner. 1-0 Crystal Palace, much against the run of play!

If only....!

Danny Granville floats in a lovely free kick, Andrew Johnson gets on the end of it and the Bolton keeper is helpless to stop the shot. 2-0 Crystal Palace in the 44th minute!

Henrik Petersen (out of frame), heads in the the near post after the ball was crossed from the far side. Now 2-1 Crystal Palace in the 66th minute

And that's the way it finished, 2-1 to Crystal Palace. A priceless win in the fight for Premiership survival.

GrahamNZ4 · 06-06-2005, 03:10 AM

Premier League (Game 10) - Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion

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

Still looking for that ideal midfield combination. Tom Soares switching to RM with Jason Puncheon given another chance at LM.
Russell Hoult up against his old team mates.

Andrew Johnson opens the scoring in the 36th minute. 1-0 the Palace!

Two substitutions midway through the second half with Emmerson Boyce on for Mark Hudson (who's picked up another yellow card) and Aaron Lennon replacing an out of touch Neil Shipperley up front (big call!).

Jason Koumas slams in a fully deserved 65th minute equaliser for the Brom. 1-1

Oh nooo! Scott Dobie through in the 78th minute to put the visitors 2-1 up!

And that's the way it finished, 2-1 to West Bromwich Albion. A disappointing result, but to be fair they probably deserved it.

GrahamNZ4 · 06-06-2005, 03:48 AM

Premier League (Match 11) - Birmingham City v Crystal Palace

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

Ex Palace midfielder Michael Hughes on the bench for Birmingham.

Russell Hoult parries a shot from Dwight Yorke in the 8th minute, but David Dunn (not in frame) follows up and pokes it in. 1-0 Birmingham

A Kevin Nolan free kick goes in off the post in the 45th minute. 1-1 at halftime.

Neil Shipperley about to lauch into an overhead kick. The shot flashed wide, not surprising given his disappointing form at present!

A brilliant shot on the turn from Andrew Johnson flies into the top corner to secure the win in the 87th minute. 2-1 Crystal Palace!

Russell Hoult man of the match.

GrahamNZ4 · 06-06-2005, 04:18 AM

Premier League (Match 12) - Crystal Palace v Arsenal

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

Fitz Hall almost breaks the deadlock, but a 0-0 draw is a bonus for Crystal Palace after Arsenal has the better of the game.

GrahamNZ4 · 06-06-2005, 05:15 AM

Premier League (Match 13) - Liverpool v Crystal Palace

The same lineup as for the Arsenal game:
R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), W.Routledge (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

And again the same result - a scoreless draw!
So we've held our own against two of the big guns which should improve the side's confidence to cope with life in the top flight. No screenshots available for this one, but Russell Hoult provided the highlight of the match with a spectacular save to tip the ball against the crossbar and then regather it.

GrahamNZ4 · 06-06-2005, 05:56 AM

Premier League (Match 14) - Crystal Palace v Newcastle United

With some of the players in the squad getting a bit down about their lack of game time, it was time to rest some of the regulars to allow these players to prove their worth.

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

The first half was all one way traffic as Newcastle did everything but score. Dogged defense and brilliant keeping from Russell Hoult kept everything out although Alan Shearer was only denied by the corner of the post and crossbar. Halftime 0-0

Kevin Nolan had picked up a yellow card just before the break, so midway through the second half, he was pulled from the field and replaced by Tom Soares.
And then the inevitable - Jenas racing onto the ball and slotting it past Hoult to break the deadlock. 1-0 Newcastle

Laurent Robert adds a second in the 71st minute. 2-0 Newcastle and it's all going pear shaped for the young English lads.

Final score 2-0 to visiting Newcastle United. Some good home form would be nice!

GrahamNZ4 · 06-06-2005, 06:29 AM

Premier League (Match 15) - Southampton v Crystal Palace

R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), T.Black (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST)

The first half was scoreless, the best chance falling to Tommy Black when he got through one on one with the keeper, only to have his shot blocked.
Southampton took the lead in the 66th minute against the run of play as Russell Hoult parried a shot from Neil McCann, only for it to drop underneath the crossbar and into the net. 1-0 Southampton.

And that solitary goal was enough to win the game for the home side. Southampton 1-0 victors.

GrahamNZ4 · 06-06-2005, 07:24 AM

Premier League (Match 16) - Crystal Palace v Charlton Athletic

The big derby!

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

As many derbies are, this game meandered along with little excitement until Kevin Lisbie broke Crystal Palace hearts in the 84th minute, slotting home the rebound after Russell Hoult had saved a shot from Murphy.

A crushing blow to our survival hopes and unacceptable that we should lose to Charlton on our own patch! A hard week ahead for myself and the lads as we cop criticism from all quarters.

GrahamNZ4 · 06-06-2005, 07:53 AM

Premier League (Match 17) - Crystal Palace v Blackburn Rovers

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

Gary Flitcroft opens the scoring in the 26th minute after a swift counterattack. 1-0 Blackburn

Former Palace sriker Ivan Kaviedes sees his shot bounce down off the crossbar, but on the wrong side of the goal line. Lucky escape for the home side!

Final score 1-0 Blackburn Rovers

05-06-2005, 02:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Crystal Palace (with English players only) SENSATION! Sensation in the London newspapers as the Crystal Palace board unveiled their new manager Graham Banks. With the influx of overseas players into the English game, many have feared for the future of the English football. Therefore the announcement that from hereon in Crystal Palace would buy and field only English players met with approval from many. Looking at my new squad, I quickly determined that I hurriedly needed to buy in a keeper, a left midfielder and central midfielder in order to field a 4-4-2 formation. With David James, Chris Kirkland and Paul Robinson all disinterested in transferring, Russell Hoult was approached and agreed to make the move from WBA. I also signed promising 17 year old keeper Joe Hart from Shrewsbury as an investment for the future. With J.Jenas refusing my advances to lure him away from Newcastle, I found that central midfielder Kevin Nolan was keen for a change and so I was happy to purchase him from a reluctant Bolton. My scouts were deployed to look at some promising youngsters who play left midfield with the decision made to use Tom Soares in that role for the time being. I definitely need another couple of midfielders to provide depth though. David Unsworth has been approached with a view to using him at left back or in a central role. Danny Granville might not be too happy about this though! The scouts have also been deployed to look at some promising young strikers. A further striker is desirable to back up Neil Shipperley, Andrew Johnson and Wayne Andrews and it needs to be a good one! Big names put on the transfer list as a result of the new English only policy include: J.Kiraly, J.Speroni, C.Berthelin, G.Sorondo, M.Hughes, J.Kolkka, D.Freedman, S.Torghelle, I.Kaviedes and N.Ventola. Friendly v Scarborough The lineup for my first match in charge: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (CD), T.Soares (CD), B.Watson (CD), K.Nolan (CD), T.Black (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST). Shipperley opens the scoring. 1-0 Crystal Palace Nolan scores on debut with the ball going in off the post! 2-0 Crystal Palace Johnson steers the ball past the frustrated Scarborough keeper. 3-0 Crystal Palace midway through the first half. Nolan blasts in a screamer. 4-0 Crystal Palace at halftime. Tommy Black picked up a booking during the first half and was replaced by Wayne Routledge for the second spell. Shipperley scores the first goal after halftime. 5-0 Crystal Palace Andrew Johnson helps himself to a second. 6-0 Crystal Palace and that's the way it finished with Kevin Nolan deservedly taking the man of the match award.

05-06-2005, 05:42 PM	#11 (permalink)
Golden Wonder 65 Elite Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 5,005	well done pompey ,big congrats on being 4th on the table though __________________

05-06-2005, 05:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Negotiations aimed at bringing Sunderland midfielder Darren Carter to Crystal Palace broke down during the week. The two clubs had agreed a deal, but the Crystal Palace board were not prepared to meet Carter's demands. Hopes of boosting the squad were further dashed when David Unsworth decided to go to Bolton rather than us. However there was some good news when we picked up right midfielder Matthew Piper from Sunderland on a free due to a release clause in his contract. Offers are coming thick and fast for some of our transfer listed players. Shaun Derry has gone to Newcastle and I'm expecting an exodus of others during the week as other Premiership clubs agree terms.

05-06-2005, 06:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Friendly v Luton Town New signing Matthew Piper came into the lineup, replacing Tommy Black at right midfielder. So the team for this match: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST). Luton provided a real contest for most of the first half before Ben Watson opened the scoring, powering in a header. 1-0 Crystal Palace Mark Hudson was replaced by Emmerson Boyce at the break after picking up a yellow card. Andrew Johnson puts the game beyond doubt in the second half. 2-0 Crystal Palace and that is how it remained. Ben Watson was named man of the match.

05-06-2005, 07:07 AM	#4 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Gonzalo Sorondo has moved to Newcastle, Kit Symons to Bolton and Ivan Kaviedes to Blackburn. I am hoping to pick up Aaron Lennon, a promising 17 year old RM from Leeds, as further investment for the future. He was recommended as a good buy by my scout. Contract terms have almost been agreed. Friendly v Manizales Lineup unchanged: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) Neil Shipperley opens the scoring in the 3rd minute. 1-0 Crystal Palace After Neil Shipperley scores a second goal (camera malfunction meant that this was not recorded on tape!), Andrew Johnson powers one in to make the score 3-0 to Crystal Palace late in the first half. Neil Shipperley scores from a corner to collect a hat trick. 4-0 Crystal Palace the final score with Shipperley understandably man of the match.

05-06-2005, 08:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Friendly v Sarajevo Lineup: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperly (ST), A.Johnson (ST) After a lacklustre first half, the home side takes a shock lead in the 65th minute when Fitz Hall fails to stop the ball crossing the line after a shot deflects off the inside of the post. Crystal Palace are unable to equalise and suffer a shock loss in their last warm up game before the Premiership gets underway. Manager Graham Banks is understandably annoyed! During the week there is a lot of transfer activity at the club: OUT M.Hughes to Birmingham A.Riihilahti to Rotherham N.Ventola to Middlesborough J.Kolkka to Newcastle D.Freedman to Middlesborough T.Popovic to Norwich IN Aaron Lennon completes his move from Leeds Jason Puncheon (LM/CM) joins us from Milton Keynes Dons And so to the opening day of the Premier League, away to Norwich! Premier League - Norwich v Crystal Palace Crystal Palace: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) After two substitutions in the 63rd minute (M.Piper off after a disappointing performance - J.Puncheon into LM with T.Soares going to RM, M.Hudson replaced by E.Boyce after being yellowcarded), Crystal Palace pick up a free kick just outside the box. The ball passed in by Danny Granville, fellow defender D.Butterfield moves onto it nicely and pokes it past the advancing keeper! 1-0 Crystal Palace and the visiting fans erupt! Russell Hoult parries away a shot in the last minute, the ball is cleared and the final whistle blows! A great start to the relegation battle from the English lads! Man of the match Danny Butterfield clapped off by his team mates.

05-06-2005, 09:47 AM	#6 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	During the week, we welcomed 17 year old central defender Peter Castle into the fold from Reading. With spare money from the exodus of overseas players, the club has invested in upgrading the Youth facilities to Level 6. With the English only policy, picking up some talented youngsters will be vital to the future success of the club. Premier League - Crystal Palace v Everton Crystal Palace: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CD), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) After earlier clipping the outside post, Duncan Ferguson powers a header over Russell Hoult to put Everton 1-0 up in the 34th minute. The first genuine goal Hoult has conceded in Crystal Palace colours. Danny Butterfield replaced by Emmerson Boyce midway through the second half. Late in the second half with time running out, Kevin Nolan shows great composure to run onto a through ball and slot it into the far corner. 1-1 and the home fans go dilerious! The final whistle blows moments later and it's all over!

05-06-2005, 11:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Game 3) - Crystal Palace v Chelsea Matthew Piper rested to give Tommy Black a run. Looking to give Wayne Andrew a bit of game time if possible as his morale is slipping. Crystal Palace: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), T.Black (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) After soaking up a lot of pressure in a scoreless first half, Crystal Palace go behind when Damien Duff makes the breakthrough in the 49th minute. 1-0 Chelsea Two substitutions made midway through the second half. Jason Puncheon going to LM and Tom Soares moving into Kevin Nolan's CM slot (Nolan taken off having picked up a yellow card earlier). Wayne Andrews coming in in place of Andrew Johnson. Despite creating a couple of late opportunities, heavily favoured Chelsea held on to win 1-0. Still a good spirited display by the young Palace side though.

05-06-2005, 11:27 AM	#8 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Game 4) - Middlesborough v Crystal Palace Crystal Palace: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterworth (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) And who should be in the opposing lineup, but our old mate Dougie Freedman, brimming with confidence as his new side lie third in the Premiership table! A fantastic start for Crystal Palace with Andrew Johnson scoring with a great header in the 15th minute. And then Neil Shipperley added this second goal midway through the first half. 2-0 Crystal Palace! And it could quite easily have been three when a stunning Danny Granville free kick rebounded off the foot of the post in the 37th minute. However a rampant Palace were not to be denied as Kevin Nolan got his retribution for some fierce tackling against him by shimmying past a defender and slotting home a great goal just before the break. 3-0 Crystal Palace! Wholesale changes were made at halftime to give some of the bench players a run. Wayne Andrews came on in place of Andrew Johnson, Peter Castle came on to replace Fitz Hall and Emmerson Boyce slotted into RB in place of Danny Butterworth. That meant that Palace had two 17 year olds on the field with both Tom Soares and Peter Castle coming out for the second half! No further goals were added in the second spell with Middlesborough surprisingly lacking any real bite in attack. Final score 3-0 to Crystal Palace!

05-06-2005, 12:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	League Cup - Reading v Crystal Palace A much changed lineup for this match with those squad members usually sitting on the bench being given a chance to show their talents! Martin Cranie (17 year old LB/CD) joined us from Southampton just before the transfer window closed and will make his debut straight away. Reserve keeper Lance Cronin (18 years old) and veteran CD Darren Powell also get a game. Wayne Andrews will partner captain Neil Shipperley up front. CD Peter Castle playing against his old team mates! This is a huge gamble on my part and I'm a little worried, but to be honest our main aim this season is to avoid relegation as we build for the future! Neil Shipperly hits the post in the 37th minute, but James Harper puts the home side ahead in the 44th minute and deservedly so as it has been they who have been pressing for most of the half. 1-0 Reading The second half was a classic cup tie. Palace came out fighting, but all to no avail as the home side held firm and then clinched it in the final seconds with Ibrahima Sonko crashing home a loose ball in the box following a corner. Final score 2-0 Reading and Crystal Palace bundled out of the cup.

05-06-2005, 01:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 5) - Portsmouth v Crystal Palace R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterworth (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), M.Piper (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) Matthew Piper went down in agony in the 19th minute and had to be taken off. On came Jason Puncheon as LM with Tom Soares moving over to RM. Midway through the first half, Portsmouth were awarded a penalty when Fitz Hall clipped the heels of Vincent Pericard in the box. To rub salt into the wound it was David Unsworth who converted it! 1-0 Portsmouth Portsmouth went 2-0 ahead in the 61st minute when P.Berger volleyed home superbly. Crystal Palace made their two final substitutions in an effort to get back into the game - Martin Cranie on for Danny Granville and Wayne Andrews on for Andrew Johnson. But it was Portsmouth's day as Vincent Pericard secured the win with a superb turn and shot. 3-0 Portsmouth Final score 3-0 to the home side Portsmouth with keeper Shaka Hislop awarded man of the match for a dominant aerial display.

05-06-2005, 10:04 PM	#12 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Thanks for the feedback. It's nice to get comments from those following the story. More later, Graham.

05-06-2005, 10:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
rawand777 Rookie Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 459	I like this diary make sure you keep up the great work. Your doing great

05-06-2005, 10:54 PM	#14 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	More on Matthew Piper's injury. He has a ruptured medial ligament and will be out of action until mid November at least, taking into account that he'll need to regain his fitness. Premier League (Game 6) - Crystal Palace v Manchester City R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), T.Black (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) Palace did most of the attacking in the first half with Manchester City getting most of their opportunities on the breakaway. However a brilliant display from David James saw his side go into halftime still at 0-0. Then one of those dangerous Manchester City counterattacks saw the visitors pull ahead shortly into the second half as Steve McManaman raced onto a through ball and outpaced the defenders. 1-0 Manchester City The pendulum had swung and it was now the home side defending grimly, looking for the chance to sweep up the field in search of an equaliser. Tommy Black was ineffectual down the right flank, so on came Jason Puncheon at LM with the versatile Tom Soares again switching to RM. But David James was like an impenetrable fortress and the English youngsters suffered another disappointing loss at home. Final score 1-0 to Manchester City.

05-06-2005, 11:34 PM	#15 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Game 7) - Aston Villa v Crystal Palace R.Hoult (WK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), W.Routledge (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) The decision to play Wayne Routledge at RM to add more sting down the flanks paid immediate dividends in the 10th minute when he crossed for Ben Watson to head in the opening goal. 1-0 Crystal Palace However, the joy was shortlived as Lee Hendrie hit back for Villa in the 14th minute. 1-1 Lee Hendrie was having a whale of a game and in the 31st minute, he was through again. Russell Hoult brilliantly parried the shot from close range, but the ball looped up and dropped into the net as poor Russell regained his feet and could only watch helplessly. 2-1 Aston Villa Thomas Sorenson kept Villa in the lead with four wonderful saves before the break as Palace pressed for the equaliser. Exciting stuff! Then disaster in the 53rd minute as Mark Hudson picked up a second yellow card and was on his way back to the dressing room. A reshuffle saw Wayne Routledge and Kevin Nolan replaced by Martin Cranie and Aaron Lennon. Cranie on to fill the void at the back left by Hudson's departure leaving a 3 man midfield combination of Soares, Watson and Lennon. Then this! Juan Pablo Angel heads in at the near post to put Villa 3-1 ahead. Andrew Johnson almost grabs a consolation goal in the dying minutes, but the ball goes over the bar and it finishes 3-1 to Villa. Lee Hendrie man of the match.

06-06-2005, 12:40 AM	#16 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 8 ) - Crystal Palace v Fulham We're well and truly in the dogfight at the wrong end of the table now and desperate to stop the rot. A crucial game today against Fulham and a few changes to the starting linep: R.Hoult (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), P.Castle (CD), E.Boyce (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), A.Lennon (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) Looking for a big game from captain Neil Shipperley who has been a bit quiet of late! No screenshots to show for this game which ended in a drab 0-0 draw, but at least we've put a stop to the string of losses!

06-06-2005, 12:55 AM	#17 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 9) - Bolton Wanderers v Crystal Palace R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), T.Black (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) Ben Watson opens the scoring in the 35th minute with a nicely placed shot into the top corner. 1-0 Crystal Palace, much against the run of play! If only....! Danny Granville floats in a lovely free kick, Andrew Johnson gets on the end of it and the Bolton keeper is helpless to stop the shot. 2-0 Crystal Palace in the 44th minute! Henrik Petersen (out of frame), heads in the the near post after the ball was crossed from the far side. Now 2-1 Crystal Palace in the 66th minute And that's the way it finished, 2-1 to Crystal Palace. A priceless win in the fight for Premiership survival.

06-06-2005, 03:10 AM	#18 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Game 10) - Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), T.Soares (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) Still looking for that ideal midfield combination. Tom Soares switching to RM with Jason Puncheon given another chance at LM. Russell Hoult up against his old team mates. Andrew Johnson opens the scoring in the 36th minute. 1-0 the Palace! Two substitutions midway through the second half with Emmerson Boyce on for Mark Hudson (who's picked up another yellow card) and Aaron Lennon replacing an out of touch Neil Shipperley up front (big call!). Jason Koumas slams in a fully deserved 65th minute equaliser for the Brom. 1-1 Oh nooo! Scott Dobie through in the 78th minute to put the visitors 2-1 up! And that's the way it finished, 2-1 to West Bromwich Albion. A disappointing result, but to be fair they probably deserved it.

06-06-2005, 03:48 AM	#19 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 11) - Birmingham City v Crystal Palace R.Hoult (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), T.Black (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) Ex Palace midfielder Michael Hughes on the bench for Birmingham. Russell Hoult parries a shot from Dwight Yorke in the 8th minute, but David Dunn (not in frame) follows up and pokes it in. 1-0 Birmingham A Kevin Nolan free kick goes in off the post in the 45th minute. 1-1 at halftime. Neil Shipperley about to lauch into an overhead kick. The shot flashed wide, not surprising given his disappointing form at present! A brilliant shot on the turn from Andrew Johnson flies into the top corner to secure the win in the 87th minute. 2-1 Crystal Palace! Russell Hoult man of the match.

06-06-2005, 04:18 AM	#20 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 12) - Crystal Palace v Arsenal R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), W.Routledge (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) Fitz Hall almost breaks the deadlock, but a 0-0 draw is a bonus for Crystal Palace after Arsenal has the better of the game.

06-06-2005, 05:15 AM	#21 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 13) - Liverpool v Crystal Palace The same lineup as for the Arsenal game: R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), W.Routledge (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) And again the same result - a scoreless draw! So we've held our own against two of the big guns which should improve the side's confidence to cope with life in the top flight. No screenshots available for this one, but Russell Hoult provided the highlight of the match with a spectacular save to tip the ball against the crossbar and then regather it.

06-06-2005, 05:56 AM	#22 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 14) - Crystal Palace v Newcastle United With some of the players in the squad getting a bit down about their lack of game time, it was time to rest some of the regulars to allow these players to prove their worth. R.Hoult (GK), M.Cranie (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), E.Boyce (RB), J.Puncheon (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), A.Lennon (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) The first half was all one way traffic as Newcastle did everything but score. Dogged defense and brilliant keeping from Russell Hoult kept everything out although Alan Shearer was only denied by the corner of the post and crossbar. Halftime 0-0 Kevin Nolan had picked up a yellow card just before the break, so midway through the second half, he was pulled from the field and replaced by Tom Soares. And then the inevitable - Jenas racing onto the ball and slotting it past Hoult to break the deadlock. 1-0 Newcastle Laurent Robert adds a second in the 71st minute. 2-0 Newcastle and it's all going pear shaped for the young English lads. Final score 2-0 to visiting Newcastle United. Some good home form would be nice!

06-06-2005, 06:29 AM	#23 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 15) - Southampton v Crystal Palace R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), P.Castle (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), T.Black (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) The first half was scoreless, the best chance falling to Tommy Black when he got through one on one with the keeper, only to have his shot blocked. Southampton took the lead in the 66th minute against the run of play as Russell Hoult parried a shot from Neil McCann, only for it to drop underneath the crossbar and into the net. 1-0 Southampton. And that solitary goal was enough to win the game for the home side. Southampton 1-0 victors.

06-06-2005, 07:24 AM	#24 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 16) - Crystal Palace v Charlton Athletic The big derby! R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), T.Black (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) As many derbies are, this game meandered along with little excitement until Kevin Lisbie broke Crystal Palace hearts in the 84th minute, slotting home the rebound after Russell Hoult had saved a shot from Murphy. A crushing blow to our survival hopes and unacceptable that we should lose to Charlton on our own patch! A hard week ahead for myself and the lads as we cop criticism from all quarters.

06-06-2005, 07:53 AM	#25 (permalink)
GrahamNZ4 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 388	Premier League (Match 17) - Crystal Palace v Blackburn Rovers R.Hoult (GK), D.Granville (LB), F.Hall (CD), M.Hudson (CD), D.Butterfield (RB), T.Soares (LM), B.Watson (CM), K.Nolan (CM), W.Routledge (RM), N.Shipperley (ST), A.Johnson (ST) Gary Flitcroft opens the scoring in the 26th minute after a swift counterattack. 1-0 Blackburn Former Palace sriker Ivan Kaviedes sees his shot bounce down off the crossbar, but on the wrong side of the goal line. Lucky escape for the home side! Final score 1-0 Blackburn Rovers