Freedman: Away form getting closer

24 February 2011 11:30
Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman insists his side can overcome their away-day blues this season.

The Eagles have won only once on the road all term, in stark contrast to their fine home form, and crashed 1-0 at Portsmouth on Tuesday night. But Freedman maintains his players are not suffering with a mental block away from Selhurst Park despite David Nugent condemning them to another defeat.

"The mental side of it was good," he said.

"Physically we matched them and mentally we did as well. A sloppy goal from a throw-in hurt us, but mentally the guys were strong.

"Although it was a defeat, I think we're getting a good spirit and feeling that when we go away from home, we can dig in and it isn't going to be an open game. We were close but not close enough.

"I think the guys know they could have played a bit better in the top half of the pitch. But as a team, I think we defended fantastically well."

Source: PA