What a difference a week makes! Watching the grim limp past Hartlepool, the squad were clearly deflated by a run of five defeats and bottom-club status. The tasty third round tie at Charlton was booked by unlikely heroes in Soares, Watson and the brilliant Kaviedes all largely unaffected by first team strife.

But throw in a new four-year deal for Dowie, a five-man midfield and an assured goalkeeper, and Palace almost win at Villa where only Chelsea had held the hosts in three outings. Cue Greavsie.

Having finally put pen to paper, the manager was able to rekindle the spirit which pulled Palace through the play-offs last season and bring the best out of his side.

If the team can now gather some momentum, starting with Cookie Coleman's Fulham on Monday, then survival may become more than an impossible dream.
- The Guardian's kick by kick match report service will bring you all the action from Monday night's clash with Fulham at Selhurst Park from 7.50pm. Log onto: www.croydonguardian.co.uk/eagleye/live/