February 7 2004

Iain Dowie

Iain Dowie is not getting too excited as Palace moved to within four points of the play-offs with a 3-0 win at Sheffield United.

It was Palace's fifth away win on the bounce - a new club record - thanks to goals from ANDY JOHNSON, Tony Popovic and Neil Shipperley.

Dowie said: "It is a pleasing result. When you come to places that are as difficult to win at as Sheffield United any kind of win is very important.

"I thought we played very well today. I am not going to get carried away but it is very pleasing.

"When I took over we were struggling and we have strung some good results together but there is a long way to go yet. All sorts of sides can get results in this division."

JOHNSON's goal was his 21st of the season and Dowie added: "It is all about partnerships. AJ works his socks off. When you work that hard you get that lucky.

"The lads deserve all the credit. They have been magnificent in their response to my training methods."