Townsend fired up to deliver

Andros Townsend has revealed the sense of relief that came with his first goal for Crystal Palace in their 4-1 Premier League defeat of Stoke on Sunday.

The £13m summer signing was also named man of the match as he provided his new team’s most consistent attacking threat in a fluid performance.

Despite being Palace’s record signing before the more recent arrival of the £27m Christian Benteke, Townsend had yet to convince in his five previous appearances for the club.

In Sunday’s victory over Stoke, however, his speed and directness was finally rewarded with an assist and a goal from the edge of the area that put his team 4-0 up.

Manager Alan Pardew has again spoken of the winger’s potential to earn an England recall.

Townsend said: “It was definitely the first game I have enjoyed this season. It is no secret I have been frustrated with my own form, not contributing the …

continue reading in source www.skysports.com