By CCFC Sid
May 10 2004

Goals from Mo Konjic and Michael Doyle threatened to wreck Crystal Palace's play-off hopes, before a Brian Deane goal some 100 miles away saw them sneak back into the Top Six. The threatened invasion of CCFC sections of the ground by away fans never really happened - or, if it did, there were a lot of CP fans going along with the act of supporting CCFC! (As most of the ground cheered long and loud when CCFC scored!). CCFC fans did turn out in numbers for this final match of the season (22,195, despite the match being live on TV), and it would be nice to see them more often next season too - lowering ticket prices might help, CCFC!!!

It had been suggested by some CCFC fans that for the first half supporters get behind Eric Black, and the second half behind Peter Reid. If the performance of the players was like-wise, Reid is far less popular, as CCFC were awesome for the first 45 minutes, while their threat tailed off in the second half. The `Thanks Eric' non-protest was well supported, before CCFC set about trying to keep Palace from a dream that seemed unlikely around Christmas time - promotion!

CCFC looked more like a team with ideas about playing in the Premiership next season, and could have been four goals up inside half an hour. They looked to have taken the lead within minutes of the kick-off (With a Morrell effort hitting a post), and DID take the lead after four minutes, with Mighty Mo Konjic scoring his second goal of the season. Most of the crowd inside Highfield Road went nutso - the away end fell silent....

CCFC continued to surge forward, and after 26 minutes they doubled their lead. A Crystal Palace free-kick was given away carelessly, and CCFC swept up the pitch and scored. McSheffrey raced about 40 yards across the pitch, before releasing the ball to Doyle, who finished in fine style. Two goals in two games, for a player that has promised to be twice as good next season - I'll hold him to that!

Gudjonsson had one of his less convincing matches (By his usually high standards), playing like somebody who feels he might now be surplus to requirements should CCFC revert to a long-ball game. Allowing him to go elsewhere - especially Leicester!! - would be a huge mistake. He did threaten to make the score 3-0 just before half-time, forcing a fine save from Vaesen.

A double substition from Iain Dowie (On 63 minutes) helped Palace pull a goal back, with Dougie Freedman scoring soon after coming on. Those Palace fans that were seated in CCFC sections rose to applaud, and some were ejected from the ground straight away. Quite right too....

Palace swarmed forward, and a wonder block on the line from Callum Davenport denied them an equaliser ("Wonder" because most people haven't got a clue how he managed to stop what looked a certain goal). If he continues the form he has shown recently into next season, he will end up playing in the Premiership the following season - whether it be for CCFC (Please!) or another team.

Barrett was in fine form for most of this match too, before a problem identified by Gary McAllister at the start of the season - stamina - saw him fade from view, and he was replaced on 77 minutes. If he can stay fit for next season, he could be a real asset to the club. Pace and a trick, and a real threat to the defences in D1....

Gary McSheffrey had a late chance to put the result beyond doubt, but saw his effort saved by Vaesen in the Palace goal - and seconds later Palace supporters were on their feet, cheering a West Ham goal! Seventh place and disappointment became sixth place, and a shot at making the big time (Though they would need to make some major signings if they were to go up, and want to stay up....).

Stuart Giddings, who was rumoured to be finally making a start for CCFC (Having spent the last few seasons playing for England!), was given only a two minute cameo at the end of the game. Maybe next season....

The after match end of season party (The reason why this report is a day late again!) was a fitting end to a fairly decent season, with certain new members of "the usual suspects" not managing to make it to work this morning. Not guilty myself....