Crystal Palace 1 - 0 Nottingham Forest

Andy Johnson's first half strike was enough to earn Palace all three points at Selhurst Park this afternoon, and move them out of the bottom three at the same time. Johnson's goal came after a great break from Michael Hughes and a pin point pass saw A.J. smash home an angled drive. Palace were far superior to the visitors and could easily have scored more than the solitary goal to show for their afternoons work. Hughes was magnificent in the centre of midfield, and Tony Popovic, returning after suspension was not far behind him. Forest had Wes Morgan sent off for his second booking, but that had no bearing on the result. This was the best Palace performance for some time and keeper Thomas Myhre could have taken his deck chair onto the pitch such was the Palace domination.
More of the same over the next few games please Kit.
There was also the small matter of "Big time Charlie" Julian Gray's return to the team. Gray wanted away from the club in the summer so as to join a Premiership outfit, but failed trials at Leeds and Charlton sent him back with his tail between his legs. A loan spell at Cardiff was his most recent activity, and it was a surprise to find Gray named in the line up. The Palace supporters left Gray in no doubt about their feelings towards him. That having been said he did have a pretty decent game. Whether or not he becomes part of the long term plans remains to be seen. In the meantime ther is some cause for optimism following a display like this. Lets hope that it continues.