January 14 2002

Trevor Francis

Trevor Francis was delighted with his third Palace win at rock-bottom Stockport and praised goal hero Dougie Freedman.

Freedman bagged his 16th goal of the season when he scored from 15 yards from substitute Jovan Kirovski’s cross in the 67th minute in the only goal of the game.

Francis said: "He hit the ball so cleanly. It justified my team selections in playing him.

"He's been hampered by a hamstring injury for three and a half weeks, but you cannot dismiss a goalscorer with his record.

"He is a clever player and though he is not match fit yet, he showed he can still finish in style."

Stockport’s veteran keeper Andy Dibble was in fine form to deny first half strikes from Clinton Morrison and Trevor Benjamin hit the post.

After the break, the home side came out stronger and hit the posts themselves and forced Alex Kolinko into some saves.

The win keeps the Eagles in the play-off hunt.

Francis added: "This was a pleasing victory as it was a hard game as they were battling for their lives but once again our keeper was in excellent form and denied them on a couple of occasions.

"We've got 18 games left - 10 at home - and any team that can put a consistent run together can push for the play-offs.

"Both Curtis Fleming and Danny Granville did well for us tonight in both wing back and full back roles, whichever they were called upon to fill during the match and both showed how they can help the team whether in defence or going forward.

"They will prove valuable additions to our squad over the coming months. We had Craig Harrison, David Hopkin and Steven Thompson missing from selection but this is a huge improvement on recent weeks which has seen the injury list mean teams have picked themselves.

"Hopefully David and Steven should be available for the match against Gillingham on Wednesday and this will mean for the first time since I have been manager I will have a fully fit squad."