March 5 2012

Crystal Palace

After victory over Peterborough on Saturday, we can now look forward to the rest of a jam packed March, writes Jack Pierce.

Eight games or 24 points - however you look at it, it’ll be March that defines whether we finish where we currently lie or whether we’ll enter April labelled ‘Play Off Dark Horses’ – a phrase that as Palace fans, we’ve all become well accustomed to.

Five of the eight games are at Selhurst and whilst we’re very difficult to beat at home, we’ve also proved ourselves rather toothless at times. Most notably the run of three goalless home matches against Reading, Pompey and Scumwall during October and November.

Hopefully the four goal salvo against Watford recently has signalled the move to a more attacking streak in our game for the rest of the month.

After the nice win over Peterborough in front of a large crowd, courtesy of Family Day, trips to Coventry and Burnley follow.

Four points out of six here will get fans talking and breed confidence throughout the squad. Three games in seven days are always difficult but Freedman seems to trust each of his squad and will have no problem with chopping and changing when necessary.

When Hull come to town on the 17th, we can enjoy the meeting of two of the league’s lowest scoring teams. Expect a tight game and 1-0 score line either way. A mishit CALVIN ANDREW cross looping over their keeper in the 93rd minute will do nicely.

Barnsley visit three days later and although it’s unlikely we’ll score quicker than they did in December, anything less than three points would be a disappointment.

We never do well at Pride Park so I expect nothing from Derby on the 24th although another Paddy blaster like his a few years ago will put a smile on all Eagles’ faces.

Home fixtures against Donny and Forest complete our month.

Considering their league positions, you’d expect to be taking six points but having been their ourselves the last two season, we all know they’ll be ‘fighting like beavers’ to quote Chris Kamara, so, I’ll take four points instead.

With my red and blue tinted glasses on, I see us taking 17 points out of 24 and a Play-off push materialising.

Am I crazy?

Of course I am, that’s why I support Palace.