Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Brett Pitman 2 Crystal Palace 2

Brett Pitman's late double last night reminded me that you should never get complacent when reporting on a football match!

The order wasn't a large one and - despite hoping City could kick start their season on a personal level - I had just about wrapped things up when Brett bounced off the bench in the 71st minute.

Six minutes later he buried a superb free kick, but even though he and his team mates starting battering the Crystal Palace defence, I still felt confident that I merely needed to press 'send' before ambling down to hear what the managers had to say.

Chris Woods and wingers Albert Adomah and Yannick Bolasie had been the pick of City's crop all night, but when Palace keeper Julian Speroni superbly palmed away a late Woods header, the Kiwi striker - and everyone else at Ashton Gate - must have thought it wasn't to be their night. I certainly did!

Cue Mr. Pitman's 93rd minute equalising volley, excessive use of the 'delete' button and beads of sweat on what was a chilly evening. Bugger!

My 1st Attempt ...

Wilfried Zaha showed he has what it takes to become Britain's GOALDEN boy.

Livewire Zaha is being tracked by a host of Premier League outfits, but tormented relegation candidates City last night in front of British Olympic Team Manager Stuart Pearce.

Ivory Coast-born Zaha, 19, grabbed his sixth goal of the season in the 14th minute.

City Midfielder Stephen Pearson was left flat-footed by Zaha on the left flank before the England U-19 winger cut into the box and lashed the ball past former England stopper David James from a tight angle.

And veteran James, 41, needed to be at his best to beat away three other goal bound shots from Zaha before winger Darren Ambrose converted from the spot in the 69th minute after City skipper Liam Fontaine had hauled down substitute Glenn Murray.

Sub Brett Pitman hauled City back into the game with a 77th minute 25 yard free kick, but it was too little, too late.

...became ...

My 'final' piece in this morning's paper


I eventually staggered into the press conference to listen to two fairly chuffed managers ...

Palace manager Dougie Freedman was happy with a point despite seeing his team concede an equaliser at the death. He said:

"Result wise, I'm disappointed, but overall it was a fantastic performance. We got the lead, but just couldn't hang on.

It was a good point away from home, but we just haven't got that killer instinct right now."

City boss Derek McInnes was delighted with substitute Brett Pitman's late brace and said:

"He's a great kid to work with. He's been frustrated, but kept working hard in training. He got both goals, but every one of the players gave their all in the second half.

When the second goal went in it was no more than we deserved. Another five minutes and we could have gone on and won it."

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