I had started the Match Report, when I saw ivangolac's first hand report on the IBO Forum and as the game was the first win after Nathan Jones was appointed manager, I thought an eyewitness report was more appropriate. Especially as for most of the first half I was on my way home after seeing off our daughter and her partner at Heathrow, after they had came over from New Zealand to spend Christmas and New Year with us.

So, thanks to ivangolac for his first person report!

channonite

ivangolac's Match Report

|Was lucky enough to be there today as my company has some soft seats and prawns at the Palace. What a horrific place it all is, although have always liked the ground. Was right above the keeper howler, nice that one went for us. Howling wind straight up the pitch against us in the first half. With us in the second.

Travelling fans were terrific until….

Was all very huff and puff at the start until our routine NJ opposition head start when Salisu woeful clearance set up some Keystone Cops defending. Very frustrating as been holding our own and then there was a rather horrible 10 minutes when the fans turned (I think a little early) and the players looked so nervous. Palace hit the bar and we escaped. To be fair though, the last 15 of the half we clawed our way on top, JWP crunching a few in, And the back 4 generally holding up well defensively. The goal was a fluke but Perraud and Edozie were causing Ward loads of problems at that point and it was great that one just went in for us.

Second half…wind with us….we just looked more comfortable and we’re really biting into the tackles, I was impressed. Centre backs were really strong when defending (again, don’t give either of them the ball). Jones took Adams off and we came alive, Mara so much more mobile and we worked the ball wide Esther than trying to hit Adams. Edozie was terrorising Clyne for about 15 minutes and Armstrong was full of running. Again one went our way but we were absolutely on top at the time and the mistake was forced.

I thought we saw it out pretty well. Again the CB’s held up defensively and I must say JWP was again so good against Palace. Special mention for the ref, just not falling for any of Zaha’s diving around. I thought he was excellent.

Best bit of the day. My godson ran to the corner of the boxes, near the saints fans at the end, in amongst some verbals from the palace fans the saints fans were sending some chants his way. Stood there for a few seconds and then pulled his jumper up to reveal his red and white. Crows gave him a big cheer, he’s 12. Made his year!

It doesn’t mean much today, but I was impressed by the togetherness in the second half. Fingers crossed we’ve bottomed out.

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