If I'd have been offered seven points before our last three games I would have taken them, without hesitation. Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Newcastle, not an easy group of matches, but we've come out strong and it's put us back in amongst the rat race at the bottom of the table.

If I'm being greedy, I'd love to have had the extra two against Palace, too. But it's all about ifs and buts. Being honest, Palace we're unlucky not to have had a couple of goals before half-time, so we were fortunate ourselves to go in at half-time level. 

We've not had the rub of the green much this season, but it's fair to say that a bit of luck helped us through the last couple of weeks - along with a lot of hard work.

To come out after the break at Selhurst Park and take a two goal lead was magnificent, so despite losing our lead, in the cold light of day, looking at the game overall, they perhaps deserved something out of it and a point is still a positive result for us.  

Against Manchester United, they weren't at their best even with all the big names playing, so I was well pleased with the way we performed and our effort on the day and the game saw Dean Ashton start what we hope is a long scoring run.

The big man has been superb of late. He's got four in the last three games.  He works really hard, he's a lovely young man and very confident but in a quiet way - he lets his ability do the talking. He's getting his just rewards along with Leon McKenzie beside him.

Dean's header against Newcastle in midweek was excellent - almost identical to the one against Manchester United.  But it was Yousef Safri's goal that won't be forgotten in a hurry. 

Saf's probably got the hardest shot in the club. He's capable of tanking the ball and, though he may miss the goal sometimes, if it's on target it's going to be difficult to stop. It was right in the top corner and gave Shay Given no chance - and he's a quality 'keeper.

Now we're facing the home straight. If we can keep fortune on our side, then with the work ethic at the club, our desire to play football and with no real injury worries any more, we're very positive that we can continue this good run in our last four games of the season.

We'll give it everything we've got and hope for the best.