March 9 2006

Iain Dowie

When Palace win well, they do so by playing football, writes Neil McSteen.

Normally the wingers would have been involved all game, terrorising the full backs, while AJ would have scored a spectacular goal.

We witnessed perhaps the season’s most complete performance against Norwich two weeks ago. Saturday’s defeat against Leeds was up there with Luton away in terms of ineptitude.

Technically, Leeds are nowhere near Palace on paper - and that’s what makes it all the more annoying.

Kevin Blackwell had his team working harder than Palace, something which should not happen under IAIN DOWIE and John Harbin.

United players were harassing Palace right up into the final third and our midfield didn’t have the enterprise and guile to go round an inferior, albeit lively, opposition.

Palace were mugged by an outfit who fancied it more – it’s as simple as that. When you take into account the tremendous away support of more than 3,000 Yorkshiremen (and women), I would not fancy facing a resilient Leeds side in the play-offs.

I don’t think we will though as most Leeds fans I spoke to reckon they are peaking at just the right time to snatch second place off Neil Warnock’s Sheffield United.

Palace’s chances of making it to the play-off final don’t look good, considering the games the Eagles have played against all the contenders this season.

Hopefully we’ll play Watford, as we haven’t beaten Preston or Sheffield United this season.

But before that the Eagles need some consisitency or we’ll have no chance.

Live Croydon Guardian text commentary