Saturday's point at Norwich was a great start for Dowie's men, even though they could have snatched a deserved win.

With five of seven new signings making competitive debuts, it took a while for Palace to get going, but despite the change of personnel, they were soon reminding us of last season's amazing feat.

The new boys impressed to varying degrees, with Sandor, Torghelle Julian Speroni and Emmerson Boyce outstanding; Fitz Hall impressive out of position in midfield; while Joonas Kolkka was disappointing when he finally got possession.

All in all though it was an excellent start, with AJ, Wayne and Popovic all showing their best form as resilient Palace clawed their way back to dominate an exciting clash.

Having been shunted out of the press box to make way for the national journalists, it was with some bitterness that I took my overspill' seat in the new stand.

Unable to upload our internet reports, (apologies to those who logged on), we moved in with Palace fans for the second half, which enriched our experience no end.

Opening day fervour made for a cracking atmosphere, but as the game wore on it was Palace who seized the initiative on and off the pitch.

The support was magnificent like last season and with two contrasting home games coming up, it is vital Palace's "12th man" drives the team on.