Fuller Flavour: Palace win shows the progress Town have made

The last moments were about as good as they get. I am not sure many of us saw Zian Flemming’s late winner coming, but it is another vital three points on the board. I have a handy knack of choosing away games that Town go on to win. I also have another trump card I can successfully rely upon.

When in London, one must go to the Palace. Five of us travelled from Clacton and met two more at our usual drinking hole in Stratford. I know, nowhere near Selhurst Park but quiet enough to enjoy a cider before immersing ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the crowds closer to the ground.

It had been a few years since I last frequented Selhurst Park. I had never seen Town win there previously. I was willing to take a point and get out unbeaten. What followed surpassed my expectations.

Karl was frustrated by the Blues' defending for Anan Khalaili's opener (Image: PA)

Palace’s opening goal was frustrating. More moans directed at Kjell Scherpen, but the space afforded to scorer Anan Khalaili was just as lamentable. He struck the ball well. Leif Davis did his best to block it and Scherpen could have done better. But it was a collective team error overall.

With just over twenty minutes played, I could not see Town scoring anytime soon, unless I used my get out of jail card.

Zian Flemming's late strike sealed the points for Town in South London (Image: PA)

After spurning good chances early in the second half and then Palace equalising, I felt that I would have to settle for a point after all. Then that magic moment when Flemming scored will have that game remembered for a long time.

It was utter chaos in the celebrations. I was only in row five, but I was on the end of a row. I found myself swept up in a tsunami of fans coming down the stairwell that threw me to the front. Shrouded by a pack of rampant celebrations, it was great!

The ensuing revelries both at the final whistle and thereafter were equally enjoyable. It was fitting for Chris Sousa to lead the players over with some fist pumps. The sports therapist leaves the club on a high.

When you look at the seasons our four opponents so far had last season, six points is a huge return for us. Factor in how long it took us two years ago to get two wins on the board, and we have clearly made huge strides. But nobody will get carried away. Just enjoy the start and what potentially we are building.

Arsenal up next in the League Cup. I am sure we will both make several changes. Then it is on to Everton on Saturday. I will be present once more, ready for a loo break if required.