December 9 2002

Millwall

Nobody likes us... but we do rather care a teeny, teeny bit more than we used to, they say. Jamesey basks in pleasure

What a pleasant feeling to have defeated our second lot of local rivals at home. OK, 1-0 isn't a handful but we looked the better side and, for one, I couldn't even get too annoyed at Tommy's penalty miss after the way he and the lads have been performing in the past few days.

However one of the most encouraging aspects of the whole affair to me was the behaviour of our rival fans. Yes, they were noisy and passionate, as you would expect, and when they recovered their voices after Danny Granville's super free kick, urged their team on indefatigably.

Having gone to the game with the worst expectations about violence and unpleasantness, I was unaware of any violence outside the ground and, as far as I know, toilet trashing, seat smashing and other Lions' specialities inside were non-existent.

Of all the people I have spoken too and the postings I have read, there seemed to be no problems with our rivals from New Cross, although I am sure there must have been incidents. Every club has its maniacs. So do we...

I have also heard that Millwall's chairman, instead of claiming that the club is clean as a referee's whistle, has tightened up on ticket purchase and ID. It certainly seems to have had a big effect and about time too.

In my book, Millwall are our biggest rivals and having witnessed two miserable stuffings last season, we can hold our heads high again. Call us stripey nigels if you must, but you lost, pal.

A quick footnote. It is not often you can find anything very good to read in the Press about Palace these days but Daily Telegraph journalist James Copnall wrote the following on Monday:

"Certainly, on Saturday's showing, Palace boast a pleasing blend of steady veterans and frolicking youth that might just prove sufficient, in this most balanced of divisions, for a play-off position."

We live in hope...

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