Crystal Palace v Liverpool: Reds in for a 'tight game'

May 5, 2014, 6:30 am

≫ Next: Crystal Palace 3–3 Liverpool: Eagles in stunning comeback thanks to Dwight Gayle

≪ Previous: Croydon-based squash club ready for Premier final on Tuesday

$

0

0

WE CAUGHT up with the the Liverpool Echo's sports reporter James Pearce to get his views on the big game between Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park...

---

This is a must-win game for Liverpool. Could it be a case of scoring as many as possible in terms of goal difference to land the title? I can't honestly see Liverpool being able to do anything about the goal difference situation. If Liverpool are going to win the title it's going to be on points. Brendan Rodgers will know that winning at Selhurst Park will be difficult considering how well Palace have defended under Tony Pulis. No one is expecting it to be a cruise.Looking back at the previous meeting in October, Palace were out of sorts. You must be impressed with their turnaround? The game at Anfield was very one-sided with Liverpool out of sight before half-time. Everyone at Liverpool knows that Palace are now a very different proposition. Their revival under Pulis has been remarkable. I thought Palace were doomed back in October/November. To now be 11th with 43 points is an amazing achievement.Luis Suarez, a deserved winner for the PFA Players' Player of the Year? Yes, Suarez has been the standout performer in the top flight this season and I fully expect him to be crowned Footballer of the Year too. He's the first Liverpool player to score 30 league goals in a season since Ian Rush in the mid-1980s. But there is so much more to his game than goals. He works tirelessly for the cause and is a real creative force – underlined by the fact he's top of the Premier League assists table on 12.Which player(s) should Palace look out for on Monday? It goes without saying that the front two have been in lethal form this term. Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have been the most deadly double act in Europe with 50 league goals between them. Gerrard has controlled games with his range of passing from a deep defensive role, while young full-back Jon Flanagan has been a revelation.What are your memories of facing Palace down the years? The memories are mixed to say the least. There are two meetings that standout from my childhood. Liverpool's 9-0 demolition of Palace at Anfield in their last title-winning season of 1989-90. John Aldridge famously came off the bench to score a penalty with his first touch – his last game before joining Real Sociedad. Seven months later the emotions were very different for Kopites when Palace beat the Reds 4-3 in that thrilling FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park.And finally, a score prediction? It will be tight but only one team really needs to win so Liverpool should just shade it. I'll go for a 2-1.

---

Crystal Palace 3–3 Liverpool: Eagles in stunning comeback thanks to Dwight Gayle

May 5, 2014, 2:04 pm

≫ Next: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers concedes the title after draw with Crystal Palace

≪ Previous: Crystal Palace v Liverpool: Reds in for a 'tight game'

$

0

0

By Mark Ritson at Selhurst Park CRYSTAL Palace conjured up one of the best comebacks the Premier League has ever seen tonight, grabbing a brilliant 3-3 draw at home to Liverpool. The Premier League title-chasers were cruising to a 3-0 win thanks to Joe Allen, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez, before the Eagles produced three goals to halt the Reds in stunning fashion. Damien Delaney grabbed one back before substitute Dwight Gayle sent SE25 into mayhem with two well-taken strikes. It will be a game you won't forget about in a hurry in what has been a quite breath-taking season for Crystal Palace Football Club. It was an electric atmosphere inside Selhurst for the last home game of the season, with Tony Pulis' name sung in all home areas of the stadium. Liverpool's task was simple. They had to win, and by a huge margin to keep up with Manchester City's superior goal difference of plus-nine if they wanted to have any chance of landing the Premier League title. Luis Suarez conjured up the first real opportunity when he got the better of Adrian Mariappa on the left side of the box before delivering a dangerous low ball, but Joe Ledley got back in time to clear the danger. Brendan Rodgers' men thought they should have had a penalty when Yannick Bolasie swung a leg out to clear but instead caught Glenn Johnson, before Suarez ran onto the loose ball and forced a good save from Speroni from a tight angle. Palace, though, caught the visitors out with some slick play by Jason Puncheon, and following one particular corner, Scott Dann went close at the back post. However, the Reds stepped up a gear and should have taken the lead on 15 minutes when a ball over the top found Johnson of all people ghosting through the Palace defence. With Speroni rushing off his line, Johnson headed the ball over the custodian and just over the crossbar. But moments later, they finally took the lead after heavy pressure through Joe Allen's header. Steven Gerrard whipped in a corner towards the back post and the Welsh international was completely unmarked to nod past Speroni from six yards. "Attack!", was the cry from the Liverpool fans, knowing full well they needed to keep it up. Suarez was proving to be a handful down the left and delivered a dangerous-looking ball which Speroni caught with ease, before Johnson got down the right past Joel Ward and delivered low, only for Dann to come to Palace's rescue. Mariappa was then booked for blatant handball in the middle of the park, and from a full 30-yards, Suarez stepped up and curled a ferocious shot just past the post. Palace weren't down and out just yet and nearly grabbed an equaliser through Puncheon, whose low shot was expertly tipped around the post by Simon Mignolet. And then they were denied by a world class save from the stopper following a stunning effort from Mile Jedinak. Picking up the ball 20 yards from goal, the Australian let rip with a shot heading towards the top corner, only for Mignolet to get his fingertips to it. Puncheon then saw a header go over as the hosts improved before the break. Speroni pulled off another top save though before the half was over, denying Suarez again with a brilliant one-handed save down at his near post. Damien Delaney had to be alert to stop Sturridge early on in the second half, before Suarez was denied a spot-kick after a clever pass from his strike partner. In fact, the Uruguayan let vented his frustrations too much at referee Mark Clattenburg that he was yellow-carded. Speroni then stepped up the plate to deny Sturridge with a stunning save on to the post, before Suarez blazed the rebound over. Chants of "Sign him up" came from the Holmesdale, with Speroni's contract set to expire in less than two months. However, he could do nothing to stop Liverpool's quickfire brace to extend their lead to 3-0. Sturridge grabbed the second when his shot from the edge of the box took a huge nick off Delaney before going past Speroni's outstretched left hand. And then 90 seconds later, Suarez got lucky with a loose ball 35 yards from goal before playing the ball to Raheem Sterling on the left, before the winger played the ball back to the striker to slot home under Speroni. Suarez has now equalled the record for most Premier League goals in a 38-game season with 31 strikes, joining the likes of Alan Shearer and Cristiano Ronaldo. Dwight Gayle came on for Puncheon just past the hour-mark as Pulis look to change things around going forward, but still Liverpool powered forward. Johnson cut in from the right before forcing Speroni to tip the ball over his crossbar, before Sturridge squared low inside the box only for Dann to mop up. The Eagles looked to hit Liverpool on the break through the likes of Ledley, Jedinak and Bolasie but the Reds' defence stood firm. But in the space of two minutes, the game was back on for the Eagles as they grabbed two goals in quick succession. Delaney of all people got the first, shooting from 25-yards into the top corner following a deflection off Johnson. And then following a quick break thanks to Bolasie, the winger teed up Gayle to side-foot home from 12-yards out. The comeback was on. And it was completed minutes later when Murray chested down a long ball into the path of Gayle, who took a touch before placing low under Mignolet. Cue wild scenes from the Palace support. And woe from Liverpool's. It looks like the title race is over, not that Palace care too much. What a great send-off to the brilliant Palace support this season. The party continues on Sunday with a trip to already relegated Fulham. Palace: Speroni, Mariappa, Dann, Delaney, Ward, Dikgacoi (Ince 85), Jedinak, Ledley, Bolasie, Puncheon (Gayle 65), Chamakh (Murray 71). Subs Not Used: Hennessey, Gabbidon, Parr, O'Keefe.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers concedes the title after draw with Crystal Palace

May 5, 2014, 2:13 pm

≫ Next: Tony Pulis praises Crystal Palace fans after incredible Liverpool comeback

≪ Previous: Crystal Palace 3–3 Liverpool: Eagles in stunning comeback thanks to Dwight Gayle

$

0

0

LIVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers conceded his side's title hopes were over after an incredible comeback by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Eagles came back from 3-0 with less than 15 minutes to go to draw 3-3 with the title-chasers - and Rodgers was in shock at his side's failure to close out the game. He told Sky Sports after the game: "We got three goals against a team that are very good defensively. It's a killer blow to only get a point when you play so well. "You've just got to manage the game better. Our decision-making has cost us." "You have to be able to see out the game. We had enough defensive players on the field." And Rodgers admitted that, at 3-0 up early in the second half, his side were perhaps more focused on pegging back the goal difference gap between themselves and title rivals Man City. He added: "Maybe we just got carried away and thought we could get more than three goals. The important thing was to win the game. "We needed to win tonight. I think Manchester City will go on to win their two games and they will be champions." Liverpool are a point clear but only have one match left - at home to Newcastle - and a vastly inferior goal difference to City, who still have to play Aston Villa and West Ham at home.

Tony Pulis praises Crystal Palace fans after incredible Liverpool comeback

May 5, 2014, 2:34 pm

≫ Next: Crystal Palace have the Premier League's best fans 'by a million miles', says Gary Neville

≪ Previous: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers concedes the title after draw with Crystal Palace

$

0

0

TONY Pulis has heaped praise on the Crystal Palace fans after their backing inspired the Eagles to come back from 3-0 down against title-chasing Liverpool. Dwight Gayle scored twice after Damien Delaney's deflected strike to earn Palace a draw, having been 3-0 down with just under 15 minutes to go. But in his post-match interview with Sky, Pulis was quick to praise the impact of the vocal Palace support. He said: "The effort and the commitment of the players has been backed up by the total commitment from the terraces. "The last 20 minutes was absolutely fantastic. Once we got the crowd going it was great." On the subject of his long-term future, Pulis said he would be sitting down this week with chairman Steve Parish, to seek assurances on the long-term vision of the club. Pulis said: "We're having a chat either Wednesday or Thursday me. It's a smashing club with fantastic potential but it's a way behind where it should be. "It was the same at Stoke. I had a fantastic chairman there and that's what you need – a bit of backing."

Crystal Palace have the Premier League's best fans 'by a million miles', says Gary Neville

May 5, 2014, 2:48 pm

≫ Next: Tony Pulis: I thought we could have snatched a winner after Liverpool fightback

≪ Previous: Tony Pulis praises Crystal Palace fans after incredible Liverpool comeback

$

0

0

SKY Sports pundit Gary Neville had some kind words for the Crystal Palace fans after the 3-3 draw with Liverpool. As well as praising the team for their comeback and the work done by boss Tony Pulis, Neville said of the Palace faithful: "They've been the best fans this season by a million miles. "I don't know what they're putting in the water there. They're mad." Former Palace and England defender Gareth Southgate also added credited the Eagles supporters. On Twitter, the England Under 21s boss said: "Tony Pulis has been outstanding, but can't underestimate impact of the crowd at Selhurst this season on Palace survival."

Tony Pulis: I thought we could have snatched a winner after Liverpool fightback

May 5, 2014, 3:09 pm

≫ Next: Book your place at the Croydon Advertiser's Fairfield Halls election debate

≪ Previous: Crystal Palace have the Premier League's best fans 'by a million miles', says Gary Neville

$

0

0

CRYSTAL Palace staged an incredible comeback at Selhurst Park to earn a 3-3 draw with Liverpool - with Tony Pulis admitting he thought he side could win the game at the death. The man who took Palace from relegation certainties to mid-table safety felt that the game would open up if the Eagles avoided conceding early in the second half. That didn't happen - but Palace still completed an amazing fightback, netting three times in the final 11 minutes. Pulis said: "In the first half we needed to defend well today and they play very open and they are quite happy to play open because they've got best forwards in the league. It was always going to be a case where it was going to be more open than normal games. "We came in at half time and I said get through first 10 minutes of the second half, and I honestly think the game will open up and if the game opens up and we get opportunities and chances we'll have a chance. [Then] they get the two goals - one deflected and one they finish it with aplomb. "When we got the first goal I thought we'd have a squeak, then the support amazing. When the second went in it was only a matter of time before we got a third." Indeed, Pulis felt that his side could have won it late on when Dwight Gayle fired narrowly wide and once again, saw fit to praise the support before defending his style of play. He said: "Yeah [I thought we could win it] with Gayley's effort. "With that support and atmosphere at the club, that's the best I've heard for a long, long time. "We've been different this year; we've played some exciting football. "Bolasie looked off it for a bit, but he's one of them, you think he's run out of legs then the next thing he finds another balloon of air from somewhere." The Eagles' boss hinted at a possible strike force of Glenn Murray and Dwight Gayle next season, but realised it might result in a change of style. "Gayley has been very unlucky this year, we've played a certain way this year and it's not really suited Gayley but bringing Murray on took a lot of pressure off him and he finds the gaps."

Book your place at the Croydon Advertiser's Fairfield Halls election debate

May 5, 2014, 11:11 pm

≫ Next: Driver injured after two cars crash in Coulsdon's Woodplace Lane

≪ Previous: Tony Pulis: I thought we could have snatched a winner after Liverpool fightback

$

0

0

THERE is still time to book your place in the audience for Croydon Decides - the Advertiser's election debate on May 13. The event gives our readers the chance to question candidates from the five main parties ahead of the council elections on May 22. The debate, to be held at Fairfield Halls, will give members of the public the opportunity to quiz the people hoping to shape the town's future. Council leader Mike Fisher, who held off Labour four years ago, will represent the Conservatives at the debate. Cllr Tony Newman will hope a strong showing at Croydon Decides will help Labour reconnect with voters following back-to-back defeats in 2006 and 2010. The UK Independence Party (Ukip) will also be present on the panel, with Peter Staveley, branch chairman for Croydon Central and South, planning to stress the need for change. Tracey Hague, a trustee at Croydon Voluntary Action, will be representing the Green Party at the debate, which is little more than a week before the elections. Qualified architect John Jefkins will represent the Liberal Democrats, who lost their last councillor in Croydon in the 2006 election. Croydon Decides follows successful Advertiser debates ahead of the last general and London Assembly elections, as well as the Croydon North by-election in December 2012. Doors for this year's event open at 6.30pm with the debate getting underway at 7pm and finishing at 9pm. The Fairfield Halls bar will be open beforehand for refreshments. To book a place in the audience email 'Croydon Decides' at newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk with your details. If you would like to ask a question of the panel, please list it in the email. A selection will be chosen and put to the candidates during the event.

Driver injured after two cars crash in Coulsdon's Woodplace Lane

May 6, 2014, 12:34 am

≫ Next: FAN COLUMN: Crystal Palace supporters really were the 12th man against Liverpool

≪ Previous: Book your place at the Croydon Advertiser's Fairfield Halls election debate

$

0

0

A DRIVER was taken to hospital this morning after a car crash in Coulsdon. The man was driving a Ford Focus when it collided with a Vauxhall Zafira on Woodplace Lane this morning (Tuesday). Firefighters from Croydon and Purley had to cut both doors and the roof from the Ford to release the driver, who had neck and back injuries, a London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesman said. London Ambulance Service (LAS) said they were called at 5.25am today and sent one ambulance to treat a man with neck and back injuries at the scene. He was then put onto a stretcher in a neck brace and taken to Croydon University Hospital where his injuries are not thought to be life-changing. The driver of the Vauxhall Zafira was able to escape the wreckage without the assistance of firefighters. The Metropolitan Police were also in attendance.

---

FAN COLUMN: Crystal Palace supporters really were the 12th man against Liverpool

May 6, 2014, 2:25 am

≫ Next: New report maps disease risk rates across Croydon

≪ Previous: Driver injured after two cars crash in Coulsdon's Woodplace Lane

$

0

0

Palace fan and online columnist Robert Sutherland says Dwight Gayle's equaliser was a moment he was savour for many years to come... AT 3-0 down, the headlines were written and the national journalists were cracking their knuckles in preparation for writing paragraph upon paragraph about title-challengers Liverpool. But the opponents weren't just any old team. They were Crystal Palace. Our Palace. And as supporters, we refused to let the result lie. The noise ratcheted up. There's fight on the pitch and there's support off it. You won't find a more cohesive unit than Palace and its loyal followers. At 3-1, the intensity of our support just sparked the squad into action. An ineffective Yannick Bolasie suddenly jumped to life to produce one of the defining performances of his career. Bolasie, when playing like he did for the last 15 minutes, is the kind of player you spend money to watch. When he got the ball, all four corners of the stadium roared him forward - he duly obliged, setting up Dwight Gayle to score a remarkable goal. The noise refused to die down. The fans wanted more. It was like a boxing match, with spectators seeing their star an uppercut away from winning the bout. Liverpool's knees were buckling - Brendan Rodgers was the helpless trainer, hoping for the whistle to sound like the bell signalling the end of the round. As Liverpool reeled back, their noses bleeding and their vision blurred, Palace created a knock-out blow which put an end to Liverpool's title hopes. As Brendan Rodgers' men lost their heads, Palace's supporters further lifted theirs, their lungs bursting with pride and delirium as Gayle spun towards goal, placing a shot low into the corner of the net. I can't remember what exactly I did as he scored that third goal, but it was a moment I will savour for many years to come. Palace's supporters really were the 12th man - a roaring, raucous, uncompromising and ever-encouraging 12th man. The result didn't just put an end to Liverpool's title hopes; it put Palace's fans on the map.

New report maps disease risk rates across Croydon

May 6, 2014, 2:30 am

≫ Next: Ed Miliband in New Addington this morning to launch Labour's local election bid

≪ Previous: FAN COLUMN: Crystal Palace supporters really were the 12th man against Liverpool

$

0

0

WOMEN in Kenley face a higher risk of dying due to kidney disease than those in other Croydon wards, new research suggests.

Those in Fieldway and Heathfield also face a higher than average risk of lung cancer, the analysis shows.

Researchers at Imperial College London have created an online atlas showing the relative risk of various diseases for men and women in 8,800 wards in England and Wales.

They looked at geographical disease patterns spanning 25 years back from 2009, adjusting their findings for deprivation, age, and possible chance fluctuations where the numbers were small.

The researchers also mapped environmental factors such as pesticides and sunshine, but stressed any correlation did not prove those factors caused a disease.

Lead author Dr Anna Hansell, from the Small Area Health Statistics Unit in Imperial College London's School of Public Health, said: "It is the first publication in the UK to amalgamate data at this level of resolution on health and environment.

"It connects people to health and environment at a neighbourhood level and provides resources to learn about these issues.

"It also allows us to identify the important questions that need answering about patterns of health and environmental risk for future avenues of research."

The researchers stressed their findings cannot determine an individual's chances of getting a disease.

Nor should they be used to decide where to live.

Among the 12 conditions mapped are skin cancer, breast cancer, stillbirths and prostate cancer.

The research shows a higher than average risk of stillbirths in Norbury, in the north of the borough, and Purley in the south.

Shirley, meanwhile, has a below average risk of breast cancer while all other wards have an average risk compared to the rest of the country.

For men, most wards in Croydon have above average risks of kidney disease mortality, while Bensham Manor has the lowest risk of lung cancer.

Most wards in Croydon have an average risk of prostate cancer mortality, while Coulsdon West has a slightly above average risk of skin cancer. The atlas does not look at the possible reasons behind the higher risk other than to note some of the causes such as smoking.

Ed Miliband in New Addington this morning to launch Labour's local election bid

May 6, 2014, 2:49 am

≫ Next: PHOTOS: Crystal Palace v Liverpool

≪ Previous: New report maps disease risk rates across Croydon

$

0

0

THE man who hopes to be Britain's next Prime Minister is in New Addington this morning (Tuesday). Ed Miliband is launching Labour's local elections campaign by visiting the estate - expected to be a key battleground when Croydon voters go to the polls on May 22. Keep visiting this website for the latest quotes and photos from Mr Miliband's visit.

PHOTOS: Crystal Palace v Liverpool

May 6, 2014, 3:01 am

≫ Next: Yannick Bolasie: Crystal Palace awards tonight is a special one

≪ Previous: Ed Miliband in New Addington this morning to launch Labour's local election bid

$

0

0

IT WAS probably one of the most exciting and breathtaking nights Selhurst Park has ever hosted. Crystal Palace stunned title-chasing Liverpool, scoring three goals in the last 11 minutes to come back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3. As if the game wasn't dramatic enough, there followed an emotional end of season lap of honour, including a potential (but most of us hope not) farewell for Eagles keeper Julian Speroni. Neil Everitt, as ever, was on hand to capture a dramatic night. View a selection of his photos above.

Yannick Bolasie: Crystal Palace awards tonight is a special one

May 6, 2014, 3:10 am

≫ Next: Crystal Palace trending on Twitter while fans use #Crystanbul jibe to rile stunned Liverpool

≪ Previous: PHOTOS: Crystal Palace v Liverpool

$

0

0

YANNICK Bolasie is looking forward to Crystal Palace's end-of-season awards tonight at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. A number of awards will be presented, including the Fan of the Year, sponsored by the Croydon Advertiser. And Bolasie will certainly enjoy the event after a memorable season in the Premier League after winning promotion nearly 12 months ago. He told the Advertiser: "It's going to be interesting and a special one. We have created history, and for myself on a personal note I am happy to get us in the Premier League. "And also maintain history by staying there after the first season." One man who will certainly get a standing ovation should he pick up an award is goalkeeper Julian Speroni, who is still waiting to see if he will be offered a new contract to stay. And Bolasie is hopeful the stopper will remain his team-mate next season. "Yeah, definitely (I want to see it sorted)," he said. "Look at the crucial saves he's made this season for us. "He's a top man off the pitch as well." Stay tuned via Twitter @AdvertiserSport and @MR_LWMedia for a few updates from tonight's event in Croydon.

Crystal Palace trending on Twitter while fans use #Crystanbul jibe to rile stunned Liverpool

May 6, 2014, 3:13 am

≫ Next: Andrew Else: Inquest opens into death of Selsdon stab victim

≪ Previous: Yannick Bolasie: Crystal Palace awards tonight is a special one

$

0

0

IT IS perhaps no surprise after last night's heroics that Crystal Palace are today trending on Twitter. Plenty of football fans and pundits alike - both those with Palace connections and neutrals - are taking to social media to hail Tony Pulis' and his men, for one of the great Premier League comebacks. Others are taking great glee in winding up the Liverpool supporters, with reference to a certain night in Istanbul giving rise to a new Twitter hashtag. In 2005, Liverpool famously won the Champions League final against AC Milan on penalties, having come from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 in normal time. Nine years on, the roles were reversed and, in a small yet loud corner of South Norwood, the Merseysiders found themselves on the receiving end of a comeback. This has led to the natty Twitter #Crystanbul being applied to many tweets about last night's match. Alex Williamson wrote: "Must admit, I kinda wanted Liverpool to win the league, but it was so funny watching them cry last night #Crystanbul." Daniel Addy tweeted: "Whoever created the #Crystanbul hashtag won Twitter. Take a bow, son." Summing up the euphoric feeling among Palace fans, Gary Dean wrote: "The atmosphere at Selhurst tonight was absolutely unreal. Last 10 mins was deafening. Proud to be #cpfc #Crystanbul." And even Eagles co-chairman Steve Parish (@CEO4TAG) got in on the act, tweeting: "Why are we trending on twitter with 175k tweets, oh yeah! I remember #Crystanbul."

Andrew Else: Inquest opens into death of Selsdon stab victim

May 6, 2014, 4:18 am

≫ Next: Crystal Palace star sets out personal aim for next season

≪ Previous: Crystal Palace trending on Twitter while fans use #Crystanbul jibe to rile stunned Liverpool

$

0

0

AN INQUEST into the brutal killing of a man in Selsdon last week has been opened and adjourned. Andrew Else, 52, was reportedly stabbed more than 100 times during a frenzied attack in Selsdon Park Road on Thursday. At this morning's inquest, police confirmed Mr Else, of Pixton Way, was a salesman and was born in Leicestershire. One person, 23-year-old Ephraim Norman, has been charged with murder, with police adding they were not looking for anyone else.

---

Crystal Palace star sets out personal aim for next season

May 6, 2014, 4:30 am

≫ Next: Labour leader Ed Miliband pledges to tackle inequality in New Addington campaign visit

≪ Previous: Andrew Else: Inquest opens into death of Selsdon stab victim

$

0

0

YANNICK Bolasie says he will be working hard in pre-season to get himself on the scoresheet more next season in the Premier League. The winger has not scored in the top flight this year although he could break that duck on Sunday at Fulham. His performances up and down the flanks have been impressive though, and he certainly proved his worth on Monday night against Glen Johnson. "Every full-back is offensive and it was great to play against him (Johnson)," said Bolasie. "In the last few weeks I've played against Leighton Baines and him in their prime. It was good to show I'm up there with them going both ways. "My season started off a bit slow, I had an injury and then I started and then got suspended for three games. "It's been a stop-start, but once I got a run of games I started feeling a little more comfortable and got more confident at this level. "I'll be working on getting more goals. Obviously I haven't scored any this season but I'm a work in progress and I'm going to make sure in the summer I get into right positions and be a bit more composed in the final third. "That's all I think I'm lacking right now."

Labour leader Ed Miliband pledges to tackle inequality in New Addington campaign visit

May 6, 2014, 5:41 am

≫ Next: Scott Dann: My defensive partner gave us the belief to go on against Liverpool

≪ Previous: Crystal Palace star sets out personal aim for next season

$

0

0

THE man who wants.to be Britain's next prime Minister visited New Addington on Tuesday to launch Labour's local election campaign. Ed Miliband told a crowd of supporters at the Addington Community Centre, in Central Parade, that the Tories were "letting down" the country. The Labour leader promoted policies including clamping down on the private housing rental sector and zero-hour contracts, and he reiterated his party's pledge to repeal the coalition's Health and Social Care Act Backing Croydon Labour candidates, including shadow council leader Tony Newman and New Addington hopeful Oli Lewis, Mr Miliband said London felt like a "tale of two cities" and pledged to tackle rising inequality He said: "The Tories want to say to people everything is fixed, everything is fine, and every time they say that it just refocuses in people's minds they have no idea about my life. They have no idea about the challenges families are facing; they just don't get it." Highlighting Labour's manifesto pledge to make Croydon Council a living wage employer, he said: "We believe if you go out to work, you do all of those hours, you should not find yourself unable to make ends meet." Labour would give tax incentives to employers to encourage them to pay the living wage but would not force councils to do so, he added. Mr Miliband also restated Labour plans to ban letting agents from charging fees from tenants and to force landlords to offer three-year tenancies. Speaking to the Advertiser, he said tenants would be able to get out of the agreement earlier if they wanted. Asked if he had any plans to solve the problem of landlords unwilling to rent to tenants on benefits, he said it was "one of the issues we need to look at". Mr Miliband added that Croydon, which has been the focus of much Labour campaigning, was a "key pointer" to the next General Election, and urged supporters to campaign hard. He said: "It's a majority of four the Tories have at the moment. You knocking on doors might make all the difference."

Scott Dann: My defensive partner gave us the belief to go on against Liverpool

May 6, 2014, 7:28 am

≫ Next: Running shoes signed by Usain Bolt stolen in Croydon burglary

≪ Previous: Labour leader Ed Miliband pledges to tackle inequality in New Addington campaign visit

$

0

0

CRYSTAL Palace defender Scott Dann was beaming with delight after helping the Eagles produce a stunning comeback against Liverpool on Monday night. The January signing watched defensive partner Damien Delaney grab what looked like a consolation goal with 11 minutes remaining, only for Dwight Gayle to send Selhurst Park into frenzy with two more strikes to level the game at 3-3. And Dann, who is a Liverpool fan, hopes the Reds still have a chance of landing the title despite the huge advantage Manchester City now have with two games remaining at home. "In the second half they get two goals and you're looking at the time and you think it could be a long night," he said. "But credit to the lads and the substitutes who came on, they changed the game and that's the type of spirit we've got in the squad. "We played ever so well in the last 20 minutes to get back into the game. "We needed something like Damien's goal at that particular time and obviously Liverpool were on top. "People were probably thinking it was a case of how many, but we stuck at it and fortunately for us, Damien's shot has gone in. "It was a good strike and it took a bit of a deflection but it's gone in the top corner and we were delighted. "It just gave us that little bit that could go on. Then Dwight Gayle and Glenn Murray have come on, played really well and caused a lot of problems. "I am a big Liverpool fan. I would like them to win the league but when it comes down to it, I'm a Crystal Palace player and I want to win as well. "Every time I play on the pitch, I want to win. It was no different."

Running shoes signed by Usain Bolt stolen in Croydon burglary

May 6, 2014, 8:02 am

≫ Next: Crystal Palace defender give his verdict on Luis Suarez crying

≪ Previous: Scott Dann: My defensive partner gave us the belief to go on against Liverpool

$

0

0

A PAIR of running shoes, signed by double Olympic champion Usain Bolt, have been stolen during a burglary in Croydon. Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following the burglary at a commercial premises in Gloucester Road last month. The shoes are a pair of orange Puma running trainers signed by Bolt and framed for display, along with a photo of the man himself after setting a new world record in 2009. The package is estimated to be worth around £20,000. Police say the burglary took place at some point over the weekend of April 26-27. Anyone with information, or who has been offered the item to purchase, is urged to contact DC Sheree Yates at Croydon CID on 0203 276 2287, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Crystal Palace defender give his verdict on Luis Suarez crying

May 6, 2014, 8:45 am

≫ Next: Yannick Bolasie chuffed for Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle and wants Wilfried Zaha back

≪ Previous: Running shoes signed by Usain Bolt stolen in Croydon burglary

$

0

0

CRYSTAL Palace defender Scott Dann had sympathy for Liverpool hotshot Luis Suarez after the Premier League's top goalscorer left the field in tears on Monday night. Dwight Gayle broke Liverpool hearts with a dramatic equaliser late on to grab a point for the Eagles and end the visitors' Premier League hopes. Suarez, who put Liverpool three goals up on 55 minutes, left the field with his shirt over his head and hands over his eyes to wipe the tears, but Dann believes that just shows the passion the Uruguayan has for Merseyside club. "It just shows how much someone wants to win," said Dann. "He is that type of player and we've seen that over the last couple of years. "To lose a three-goal lead and to maybe lose the title is a big thing for him. "When the game changes like that and they are fighting for the title, he probably thinks it's all over now. "We proved it's not over until it's over. I am sure they will keep going until the end."