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Freedman hails Eagles display

Image: Freedman: Belief in his side

New Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman praised his side following a gutsy goalless draw against Bristol City.

Eagles boss believes his side have the ability to get goals

New Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman praised his side following a gutsy showing in the goalless home draw against Bristol City. The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock after Darren Ambrose struck the woodwork but Ivan Sproule did likewise for The Robins. The point left City without a win in three matches and Freedman searching for his first win as Palace boss.

Ability

Freedman said: "The position we are in means we have to stop losing matches and I do believe we have enough ability to get goals. "The thinking is all about getting it in order. If we stop conceding goals, we will start scoring them, so I was pleased with a clean sheet. "I need to change the mentality of the team to make them difficult to beat and to play with a little more freedom while staying solid at the back. "It was not the best match to watch, but on the positive side we had Darren Ambrose back. It was Alex Marrow's first game and Jermaine Easter started, so I am looking forward to these guys regaining their fitness. "The fans might not think it was the best performance but it was encouraging to see the effort and desire among the players. "There was one team who were trying to win this match, so it was pleasing to see the guys are trying to do what I am asking of them. "We have got players with goals in them, but it would be nice to add another striker who can get you goals, but we have to go one step at a time."
Fair result
Meanwhile, City boss Keith Millen felt a draw was a fair result. Millen said: "I was hoping for another late goal and it would have been the icing on the cake, but I think 0-0 was a fair result. "Our main aim was to get a clean sheet and to come away with that gives us a basis to work on. The last two games have been disappointing and knocked us back. "We conceded seven goals in two games and we spoke about it and worked hard but I thought the back four looked solid today. "David James was disappointed to let in that amount of goals and he will have had his say in the dressing room because he is experienced. "He made a few mistakes last week and held his hands up, but defending is a team effort. "We have nine injuries in the squad and that is stretching us. We are short on the playing staff. "We are looking to improve but my hands are tied with the finances because of the squad we have, but I am looking to bring in players if we can."

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