Eagles must match home form when they fly the nest

Ian Gibb11 April 2012

Crystal Palace have finally improved their home form but must address their appalling record away from Selhurst Park if they are to push clear of the relegation zone.

Saturday's 1-0 win against Doncaster — their third consecutive home win —came via loan striker Pablo Counago's 35th-minute goal and showcased Palace's admirable battling qualities.

They have only managed one win and a draw in the League on the road.

Claude Davis said: "When we started out we didn't expect to be in this position. If we keep playing like this, with the same passion and commitment, we'll be fine."

Palace must face losing Argentine goalkeeper Julian Speroni in January unless a new contract can be agreed and co-chairman Steve Parish said: "Julian has been offered a fantastic deal. We can't do anymore."

Bothroyd's feeling robbed

NEW England striker Jay Bothroyd claimed that both QPR's Matthew Connolly, who brought him down, and Clint Hill admitted he should have had a late, point-saving penalty for Cardiff in the battle of the top two at Loftus Road.

Bothroyd deserved a penalty after Connolly clearly stuck out a leg but QPR boss Neil Warnock quite rightly pointed out that his side should have been given two penalties from Premier League referee Kevin Friend.

Bothroyd said: "Even Clint Hill and Matthew Connolly said it was a penalty. The guy has left his leg out, didn't get the ball and took me down."

All true, but Cardiff were second best on the day and should admit it.

No joshing, Lions look tame

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett was left frustrated after his team's goalless draw at rock bottom Preston.

Jackett was all set to unveil new signing Josh McQuoid but he picked up an injury in training and wasn't on the pitch to finish off any one of the numerous chances that went begging at Deepdale.

Jackett explained: "He pulled a muscle in the rib area and I didn't want to risk him. Hopefully he'll put away some of those chances we are creating.

"We got behind the Preston defence on numerous occasions so to come away with no goals is disappointing."

Barca versus Orient's bite

Most neutrals will probably watch Barcelona versus Real Madrid on TV tonight, but that won't worry Leyton Orient.

Russell Slade's League One side travel to Droylsden for an FA Cup second round tie which will also be televised with Norwich awaiting the winner.

The cameras fancy an upset but if Orient show the spirit they displayed in their previous two games, against Peterborough and Bournemouth, they should at least earn a replay against a team three tiers below them.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in

MORE ABOUT