March 25 2004

Crystal Palace

Having conceded five goals in two games and fallen away in the 12 team play-off race, Saturday's win against table-topping Norwich was a big boost to Palace morale.

The manner of victory against the top club bodes well for some massive games coming up. Palace showed unfamiliar defensive solidity and were more committed, powerful and inventive than the table topping Canaries.

Their new £1.5million strike-force of Huckerby, Svensson and McKenzie had a frustrating afternoon, and that was in no small part down to the performances of three Dowie signings.

Having had a bit of a 'mare against Forest last week Leigertwood was lucky to be given the nod ahead of Derry in midfield, but his powerful performance vindicated the decision and suggested Palace have pinched a fantastic player for the future.

Mark Hudson’s loan spell has been marked by occasional gaffes like giving away three penalties, but the Forest debacle and Saturday’s clean sheet, shows how much we will miss him after the West Ham game.

His pace, tackling and aerial ability have never been in doubt, but his long range passing, like the 60 yard ball for Gray to set up Routledge could have become a vital weapon with Palace’s pace on the break.

No wonder Fulham wouldn’t let him go permanently but the long awaited return of Darren Powell will fill the void, if Reading's bid is spurned.

Berthelin is a tad unlucky, but the assurance Vaesen’s presence, experience and ability under the high ball bring to the defence was there for all to see on Saturday.

The trio were not Palace’s best players by any means, but three areas that could previously have been identified as weaknesses have been significantly strengthened by Dowie.

With six of nine remaining fixtures coming against promotion rivals, Palace’s destiny is still very much in their own hands and the pieces of the jigsaw are falling into place.

If you can’t make it to the Hawthorns on Saturday to see Palace take on second placed, join Neil McSteen online from 2.55pm.

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