April 25 2004

Andy Johnson

IAIN DOWIE saluted his players - in particular hat-trick hero Andy Johnson - as Palace moved closer to the play-offs with a 3-2 win at Crewe.

Johnson's three goals put him to 30 for the season in all competitions and only goal difference keeps Palace out of the vital play-off places.

"Five wins and a draw in six games is a gargantuan effort - especially to keep that effort and the energy levels going when the games have taken place in a short period of time," said DOWIE.

"It's all about heart and soul now and the lads showed that. We had a nervous period at the end but results are all important at the moment.

'What can you say about 'AJ'? He's been absolutely terrific this season."

He added: "We conceded the early second half goal, a pure fluke but responded very well with the penalty and late on had some good chances to increase the margin of victory.

"The manner of the second goal was disappointing from our point of view which made the remaining part of the game very tense.

"I thought the lads did well in what was their sixth game in a very short space of time, maybe we didn't look as sharp as we have done today but we showed plenty of heart and soul and that helped to get us through.

"Aki Riihilahti's performance was immense and his performance different class - the man of the match by a long way in my opinion. AJ goes from strength to strength and he his reaping the rewards for his work which he puts in.

"We have had a mountain to climb over recent weeks but need to keep it going and will now focus on our next match against Walsall."