So, the mini revival is over. Palace capitulated to the might of Colchester - sent crashing to an embarrassing 3-1 defeat.

On paper it looked as bad as exactly three years ago when we lost in the fog by the same scoreline at home to Crewe.

But the scoreline does obscure some of the truth. Palace dominated this game, playing some of the neatest football seen at Selhurst in a long time. Possession was kept easily as Peter Taylor's men did their best at emulating Arsenal by trying to walk the ball into the net in the first half.

It's no coincidence Michael Hughes has started the last five games and been at the heart of Palace's upturn in fortunes. Hughes is our own Roy Keane and his return has added much needed bite to the midfield.

But the affable 35-year-old can't run matters by himself week after week and Palace collapsed like a house of cards when Colchester scored their first.

All the hard work and possession football was wiped from that Saturday afternoon's memory as heads visibly dropped, unforgivable at this level, and the boys in red and blue lost for the first time in five games.

With Derby away on Saturday, who have somehow sneaked into second under the guidance of Billy Davies, Palace have another chance to show the character displayed at Davies' old club Preston when they bagged a credible point.

Who will be in goal for the Eagles is up for debate with Iain Turner now out for a few weeks. Scott Flinders is undoubtedly a good keeper but in bad form right now, while Julian Speroni is third choice.

But with Gabor Kiraly back from West Ham, the Hungarian should get the nod as experience will be vital at Pride Park.