May 19 2009

Nick Carle

In the first of two parts, we look back on the highs and lows of 2008/09 for Crystal Palace.

August

Crystal Palace opened their Championship campaign with a dour stalemate at home to Watford.

Palace made a double swoop for winger John Oster and midfielder Leandre Griffit on short term deals.

Nick Carle and John Oster grabbed their first Crystal Palace goals to help beat Hereford 2-1 in the Carling Cup.

Goalkeeper Scott Flinders signed for Falkirk on loan until January.

Crystal Palace crashed to their first defeat of the season with a 2-0 loss at Preston.

Kieron Cadogan set his sights on a place in the first team after signing his first pro deal with Crystal Palace.

Matt Lawrence signed a new contract with Crystal Palace.

Palace performed heroics to hold out for a 0-0 draw at home to Burnley after being reduced to nine players.

James Dayton joined League One side Yeovil Town on a month's loan.

The Eagles were dumped out of the Carling Cup after a 4-0 thrashing at League One Leeds.

Kieran Djilali is determined to keep his place in the Crystal Palace team after making his full debut.

Manager Neil Warnock swoops for Ipswich striker Alan Lee.

Crystal Palace are still looking for their first league win of the season after suffering a 4-2 defeat at Reading.

September

Dougie Freedman and Tom Soares signed for Southend and Stoke respectively on transfer deadline day.

Young Palace defender Rhoys Wiggins scored for Wales U21s in their 3-0 win over Romania.

Ben Watson and Carle scored as Crystal Palace claimed their first league win of the season with a 2-0 triumph over Swansea City.

The Eagles went down to a 2-1 defeat at Championship leaders Wolves.

Crystal Palace's miserable start to the season continued with a 2-1 defeat at home to Plymouth Argyle.

Crystal Palace captured forward Craig Beattie on a month's loan from West Bromwich Albion.

Victor Moses rescued a point for Crystal Palace as the Eagles fought back to draw 1-1 at Ipswich.

Crystal Palace secured South London bragging rights with a 1-0 win over Charlton at Selhurst Park.

October

Shefki Kuqi netted as Crystal Palace won 2-0 at Nottingham Forest.

Misfit Kuqi apologised for gesturing to the fans last season.

Crystal Palace striker Simon Thomas joined Grays Athletic on a month's loan.

Midfielder Carl Fletcher has joined Nottingham Forest on loan for six weeks.

A Watson brace helped Crystal Palace overcome Barnsley with ease 3-0 at Selhurst Park.

Young defender Nathaniel Clyne signed his first professional contract with Crystal Palace.

Birmingham cruelly grabbed an injury time winner to beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at St Andrews.

Crystal Palace twice threw away leads to draw 2-2 at Blackpool.

Craig Beattie extended his loan at Crystal Palace until the end of the year.

Palace were defeated 2-1 at home to bottom club Nottingham Forest.

Dayton joined Blue Square Premier side Crawley Town on a month's loan.

November

Crystal Palace had to settle for a 1-1 draw in wet and windy conditions at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

The Eagles got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win at Coventry City.

Palace agreed a three-year sponsorship contract with the Dubai Contracting Company.

Sean Scannell's first half goal was not enough, as Crystal Palace lost 2-1 to Cardiff City.

Crystal Palace turned in a stylish performance to beat Bristol City 4-2 at Selhurst Park.

Palace maintained their good run of form with a 2-1 win at Norwich City.

Crystal Palace had to settle for a goalless draw against QPR at Selhurst Park.

December

The Eagles moved to within two points of the play-offs with a 2-1 win away to Derby County.

Crystal Palace moved into the Championship play-off spots with a resounding 3-0 win at home to Southampton.

Craig Beattie had his loan spell from West Brom cut short after the Baggies recalled the striker.

Lee notched his first Crystal Palace goal with a late winner as Palace beat 10-man Doncaster 2-1.

Defender Clint Hill was given a 12 month extension to his contract.

Carle's stoppage time goal rescued a 2-2 draw for Crystal Palace at Sheffield United.

Jose Fonte scored a brace in Crystal Palace's 3-1 Boxing Day win at home to Norwich.

A lacklustre Crystal Palace crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Bristol City two days later.

2008/09 Review part 2

2008/09 reports

2008/09 squad stats

Final Championship table