To say Crystal Palace's strikers are having trouble scoring at present is an understatement of immense proportions.

Seven goals between four strikers in 14 league games is not the best of returns, but the blame should not lie solely with Kuqi, Scowcroft, Morrison and Freedman.

The lack of service to the strikers on Saturday, and most of the season, has been one of the most alarming features of what is slowly turning into a disappointing campaign.

Peter Taylor recalled Marco Reich to supply the ammunition his strikers have been severely lacking, but he is not being allowed to finish 90 minutes.

The Palace boss admitted Reich's substitution was not down to his performance, just a tactical sacrifice.

But the supply line from the touchline all but vanished after the German's withdrawal.

Mark Kennedy is the best crosser at the club and has proved this with his ability at set pieces. But apart from that, Kennedy has not been as influential as first hoped.

His partnership with Carl Fletcher in the centre of midfield has not blossomed. Perhaps you can say they are too similar.

Saturday's game was calling out for one of the them to take the bull by the horns and drive the team forward - this did not materialise.

Tom Soares was the only player who looked to take this mantle previously taken on by Michael Hughes. But his role on the right restricts him, and his influence on the game.

Surely it's time to give the talented youngster a central role so he can put his stamp on games.

Palace have experienced players, but on Saturday he was the only one looking like a leader.