August 24 2008

Crystal Palace

It's all wrong when the referee becomes the central talking point of a game. But Iain Williamson was certainly the focal point in our home draw with Burnley, writes Jamesey.

Oh, no, not another Whistler, I groaned to myself as a shrill blast rang out at what seemed like every 10 seconds during our 0-0 draw on Saturday.

Some referees have the intelligence to let the game flow and to play advantages, but not this one.

Mr Iain Williamson was determined to be the man of the match and he certainly achieved his aim for all the wrong reasons.

As far as the first half went I thought there was a marginal improvement in our play on Watford and Preston. But there certainly had to be if we are to start performing like we know our players can.

The second-half sendings-off of James Scowcroft and Shaun Derry were unfortunate but not all that controversial.

In fact many sensible Palace supporters believe that Scowcroft should have seen red for his first card. And Derry's tackle for his sending-off was inexcusable although I have no idea what the dissent for his first yellow was all about.

Despite Mr Williamson's refusal to give CPFC anything at all and some of his ludicrous decisions, most of the second half turned out to be a thoroughly entertaining affair.

Backs to the wall and keep the buggers out... nine-man Palace versus 11-man Burnley and the referee.

The 0-0 result was like a creditable victory and unsurprisingly Mr Williamson was escorted from the ground by a platoon of muscle and protection.

* Before the match, as we went through the turnstiles we were handed a small booklet entitled "The Guide Season 08-09".

Among a wide range of useful information, the slim volume contained a couple of pages dedicated to the Chairman's Message.

As far as his future intentions are concerned Simon Jordan does state quite categorically that he is especially determined that this year should be his last of owning the club.

I know this is nothing new but I get the feeling that he really means it this time.

But what happens if there are no buyers forthcoming is anyone's guess. After all, he can't cease to be the owner of CPFC unless someone else wants to be, can he?

Dear, oh dear. Here we go again...

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