February 26 2006

Selhurst Park

Even the most critical Eagles supporter could hardly have been dissatisfied by a classy 4-1 triumph over Norwich City, writes Jamesey.

At half time in our 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers (Feb 14), I had a gut feeling that there were four goals to be had and that we could double our tally.

As it transpired, QPR charged out in the second period like Shepherd's Bush-whackers and nearly overwhelmed us despite our ultimate win.

On Saturday, I had a similar intuition at the close of the first half - 2-0 up and looking good for another couple after the break.

And, indeed, we were good for another brace in the second half, and the 4-1 scoreline was only sullied by Darren Ward's own goal. But who cares?

Nevertheless, I personally claim some credit for preventing one of our Old Boys from scoring.

A pleasant gentleman who sits in front of me in the Main Stand, always breaks into feverish applause whenever any ex-Palace employee is announced, often resulting in a goal for the unwelcome visitor.

So, when Leon McKenzie's name echoed through the Tannoy, I nudged his elbow and stopped him as he started to clap.

Leon didn't score and I claim the credit.

In fact, no Norwich player scored but, am I right, I got the positive feeling of a fuzzy blueprint suddenly focusing?

Every Palace player looked good, we passed well and, wonder of wonders, some of the flicks, run-ons and dummies looked as though somebody of football literacy had been on the coaching podium.

And full credit to CPFC's regard of tradition.

An impossibly youthful-looking ex-player Phil Hoadley and the Palace "dollies" assembled on the pitch at half time.

In their prime, about 20-30 years ago, the "dollies" tickled the collective libidos of male Palace supporters by strolling around in tight and skimpy strips (unusual in those days).

They still looked good to me but then I was always a nostalgia addict.

* In our 1-0 victory over Cardiff City (Feb 4) I think I am right in recalling that one of the Bluebirds' substitutes was a player called Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu.

Great respect to Guylain's obvious African heritage but imagine our goal celebrations if he ever played - and scored - for us.

"And the scorer was Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu."

"Guylain?"

Altogether now - "Ndumbu-Nsungu"...

Email Jamesey with any of your comments to Jevans3704@aol.com