Back in the Day: December 12th - The Holmesdale Fanatics are Born

Saturday 12th December 1964

Derby County 3-3 Crystal Palace

League Division Two – Att: 11,828

Manager: Dick Graham

Ray Young and an Eddie Thomas brace made up the goal tally for the hosts on the day and a Peter Burridge brace played a part in seeing Palace take a point back to London. However, the game is remembered for Keith Smith’s (below) strike. To this day it still stands as the fastest goal ever scored by a Crystal Palace player. With just 6 seconds on the clock, he managed to open the scoring.

I have seen that feat matched – unfortunately, it was Barnsley scoring against us on a Tuesday night at Oakwell in 2011.

Saturday 12th December 1992

Queens Park Rangers 1-3 Crystal Palace

Premier League – Att: 14,571

Manager: Steve Coppell

Gary Penrice (26) gave QPR the lead that they would hold until half time, but the Eagles would come roaring back with three second-half goals. Eddie McGoldrick (46, 89) and Chris Armstrong (71) scored the goals that sealed the vital win for second-bottom Palace over sixth-placed QPR.

It could have been very different, though. QPR were denied a clear penalty at 1-1.

Check for Gareth Southgate’s “assist” for Chris Armstrong’s goal – followed by one of the luckiest goals that McGoldrick ever scored:

Monday 12th December 2005

Today is the Birthday of the Holmesdale Fanatics. Since 2005 a small group of lads at the front of Block B of the Holmesdale have grown in size and stature – playing a major role in cementing Palace fans as the best in English football.

HF Statement on 10th Birthday in 2015:

Saturday vs. Southampton we proudly celebrate 10 years, almost to the day, that the Holmesdale Fanatics was formed by a small group of block b regulars, all 3rd generation Palace. It’s a big day and many block b lads are returning for the game and our friends from Panionios will be present. 

It’s a big milestone for all in our group but moreso the last ten years is a period the entire fan-base should look back on with a sense of pride and ownership. From protests at Lloyds and the ground to wall of sound support at Wembley, Hillsborough and Selhurst, CPFC supporter culture has got the recognition it deserves. Palace fans are once again setting the standards which others are following and that has only been achieved through the unity, togetherness and unique mentality that has been the hallmark of our support for 110 years, that’s something everyone in the stadium has contributed to and should be proud to celebrate this Saturday. 

As kids the group founders were at Wembley to see Coppell’s boys come so close as the Palace support created scenes of colour and south London pride that were seen the world over...The current generation at Selhurst is furthering that proud tradition which has become synonymous with our famous colours. 

But Saturday is not about just looking backwards, it’s the first step marching forward. Our great club has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons and it’s up to all of us to realise the power we have to keep that momentum going. We’re on the verge of historic achievements from a team formed of players proud to play for the shirt and a management set up powered by the spirit of one of our greatest eras. 

The next make or break stage for our club is here, forwards or backwards? As Palace fans let’s do what we do best, stand up and be counted and take our support, our mentality and this proud South London club to the next level. 

Respect to all the lads who have played a part in the group over these last 10 years and those in block b & across Selhurst, every one of us should be proud to be part of this fan-base. 

LET’S DRIVE OUR CLUB FORWARD 
TOGETHER OUR SPIRIT IS UNBREAKABLE 
HF05

Happy Birthday, Lads. 

All Results

What Happened Yesterday?

December 11th

John Salako scored as Crystal Palace beat Birmingham back in 1993.