It is a system that has served Dougie well so far this term, and rather than attempting to fix something that isn't broken, he has obviously made the decision to stick with the players that have got us this far, a tactical move I feel should be applauded given the temptation to tinker that often creeps into managers heads the further into competitions they get.
The game itself was quite similar in pattern to its predecessor for the opening 15 minutes, with both sides looking to work their way into a good performance rather than hitting the ground running, until Jon Williams picked the ball up in the middle on the park before sliding it left to Wilfried Zaha, who cut inside on the edge of the box, before lashing it home high to the keepers right hand side.
It was then that the boys started to show their true attacking abilities, as has often been the way so far in the League Cup this season, Glenn Murray continued to impress at the head of the Palace attack, whilst Calvin managed a powerful strike on target from fully 25 yards, a sight I was equally elated and bemused to witness.
In the second half we continued our good work, Murray hit the woodwork for what felt like the 67th time in the last two weeks, before Calvin got a reward for his hard work on the night, when he looped a header over Danny Coyne and into the net, following a cross from the extremely impressive Zaha.
Unfortunately, we then conceded a sloppily defended goal two minutes later, which made for a nervy end to the game, but, having hung on for the win, I feel it is imperative to mention the input of the youngsters on the night.
Zaha, who sometimes fails to get grouped in to the "youngsters" bracket because of his huge presence in the first team, arguably had his best game ever in a Palace shirt, his assurance with the ball at his feet, coupled with his pace and confidence had the Boro defenders stumped throughout the game. The hope now, is that with couple of goals to his name, we may well see the best of what he can offer after Dougie readily admitted he was probably overused last term, a problem not likely to resurface given the strength of our midfield now.
To add to the performance of Wilf, both Jon Williams (who I fear I may run out of superlatives to describe before too long) and Stuart O'Keefe were fantastic in the centre of midfield, not getting overawed by the task at hand, and going about their business as they had been told to do. It would be foolish to make comparisons between the two of them as they are vastly different players, but with Williams ability to pick a pass working so well next to O'Keefe's no nonsense style of defending the back four, you can definitely see the synergy the partnership naturally has, who knows, it could be a sign of the potential midfield pairing for years to come.
This leads me on to the other superb news we were given only the morning after Tuesday nights victory, that Sean Scannell and Williams have agreed new deals at the club of four and a half, and three and a half years years respectively.
There is no doubting the ability of these two, and to get them tied down and committed to the Palace cause with such little speculation and fanfare is a superb piece of business by the owners and Dougie. It serves as a reminder of how perceptions are changing with regards to our club, that two players of this calibre are so pleased to sign up to what CPFC2010 and Freedman are trying to build, as can be seen in the quotes below, first from Sean, and then from Jon.
"I am really happy to have signed the contract with this club, it is the only place I want to be. I am so pleased that the boss has offered me a new deal and it's good to see its all done and I am able to speak about it being put to bed."
" It is great for me to be signing, especially a deal of this length, I am over the moon really and I am looking forward to working with the boss and the rest of the staff to make me a better player. It has been great to be involved in the first team so early in my career and not only get the experience but work with fellow players which can only help my game."It does strike me that, although at the time it felt like a real slight on our club, the Bostock saga, could well have gone a long way to restoring the true meaning of our academy, with players now coming through our ranks fully aware of the decisions John and his family made, and where it has led his career in the years that have followed.
Contrary to what the papers and Sky Sports News try and tell you, there are barely and young footballers who don't love playing the game, yes, the money and nice possessions are a highly desirable reason to aspire to be successful in the long-term, but when these lads are just beginning their careers the main focus will always be on playing football, as it is what they love to do. A fact, that appeared to get lost in the dizzying financial ramifications of the John Bostock scenario, which as a result has now left him punting around in footballing wilderness.
In our case, it has enabled us to show two of our most promising talents that there is a right way to go about things, which involves staying grounded, learning your craft, and, eventually, if you are good enough, or you clearly and rapidly outgrow the size of the club that you play for, you move on, safe in the knowledge that you have all the relevant skills to excel at a higher level. A fact that, judging by the above quotes, seems to have been firmly planted and left to resonate in both of our young charges heads, they may well follow the aforemetioned path to bigger things, and if they do, then all power to them, but I for one am extremely glad that they will be following that road with us by their side for some years to come.
Until next time.
