February 29 2004

Iain Dowie

Iain Dowie was delighted with his players after they bounced back from defeat at Derby with a deserved 1-0 win at home to Gillingham.

A 53rd minute volley from Danny Butterfield was enough to give the Eagles the win leaving Palace just two points from the play-offs.

"We played better today than we did at Derby and I was pleased with how we responded," said Dowie. "It was all about our ability to bounce back, and we showed we can do it by winning this afternoon.

"I have to say that after the first half I thought it wasn't going to be our day because their keeper made a number of good saves. I can't remember Cedric Berthelin having a save to make at the other end, apart from a header by Andy Hessenthaler.

"And then they got the penalty. I'd like the referee to look at the video regarding his decision to send off Mark Hudson. If it's wrong then it's wrong. We'll miss Mark if he's suspened.

"I have to say I disagreed with the penalty been retaken for Cedric coming off his line because he saved along the line.

"But I was delighted with how we reacted – and Danny Butterfield's goal was good enough to win any game. We actually did volleying practice on Wednesday and Danny was very good at it. He’s very good technically and it was a great goal, it really was."