Reserves | Youth Team
Once again, I am very grateful to KEVIN STEVENS who must have got up at
the crack of dawn this morning to bring us a nice early copy of the CA
Report......
PREMIER CREDENTIALS WILL BE TESTED
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By Paul Fernandes
STEVE Coppell was the most avid watcher of the millions who saw the
live telecast of the absorbing European Champions League match between
Manchester United and super-kings Juventus at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Not that he needed any reminding but the clinical manner in which the
English champions took the Juventus defence. apart, will make Palace aware
of their toughest task in the Premiership when they travel to the
intimidating Old Trafford caldron tomorrow (Saturday, 3).
Palace boss Coppell usually watches videos of his coming opponents
before deciding on his team and strategy.
And he must have gained a glimmer of hope after watching lowly Leeds
inflict a 1-0 win on mighty United last Saturday.
But the awesome power United displayed against the European giants on
Wednesday reinforced Coppell's apprehension at the task his team faces in
front of some 55,000 partisan fans.
Coppell is not a defeatist but a realist. He has gone on record as
saying that the Premiership is really a division of two sections. The
super Section, with teams like Blackburn Newcastle, Chelsea, Arsenal and
Manchester United, and then the rest.
His case after the recent home mauling by Chelsea was that, unless you can
splash out vast amounts as Blues have done on players, then it not fair to
teams with most budgets like Palace to really take on mighty sides like
Manchester United.
And, after the disappointing draw against Bolton and Tuesday's
Coca-Cola Cup exit, he said: "Manchester United on Saturday is the
final nail in the coffin! But, seriously, I am looking forward to it. We
battled away last year to earn the right to play sides like the champions.
We will go there and do our best and enjoy it and we will come away and we
will learn from that."
Palace will hope that United will have been on so much of a high after
Wednesday's victory that they will be drained mentally and physically and
turn in a below par performance. They have been known to do so after
European commitments.
And Palace can gain heart from their last league meeting against
United at Selhurst Park on January 25, 1995 which ended in a 1-1 draw. And
in the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park a few months later they led 2-1 in
extra-time before Gary Pallister's goal made it 2-2. Sadly, Palace lost
the replay.
Palace last won at Old Trafford in 1989. Coppell was then manager in his
first term of office. The Eagles won 2-1, both goals coming from Mark
Bright.
Tomorrow's match is one which Italian international Attilio Lombardo will
relish as he faces some top quality competition.
Rested against Hull with a thigh strain he is fit again, but there are
doubts about Bruce Dyer, Neil Emblen, and Simon Rodger. And, of course,
David Tuttle is a long term casualty, after being carried off against
Wimbledon with a knee injury. Dougie Freedman and George Ndah are standing
by.
And Coppell had this to say about Lombardo's complaint: "Lombardo's
injury situation is a week to week thing. He struggles. Lombardo took a
knock in the last few minutes of Saturday's game against Bolton but we
hope that he will be ready for the United game.
"The problem goes into the outside of his thigh or knee ligament area. But
obviously Lombardo will be desperate to play at Old Trafford on Saturday."
Palace had still not sold their tickets quota by yesterday (Thursday).
More previews
HULL SCRAPE THROUGH AS PALACE HIT ROCK BOTTOM
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By David Groves
(aggregate 2-2; Hull win on away goals rule)
Palace 2 Hull City 1
PERHAPS Palace's players took their manager Steve Coppell's sporting
sentiments a little too literally at Selhurst Park on Tuesday.
Eagles had trailed 1-0 from the first leg of this intriguing Coca-Cola Cup
second round tie. And Coppell admitted afterwards recently that Third
Division strugglers Hull had deserved to go progress.
And it was a case of deja vu after the second leg with Coppell saying:
"Congratulations to Hull who deserved to go through and we wish them well
in the next round. But we shot ourselves in the foot tonight."
And Coppell was clearly angered by suggestions that he had rested
players selectively, with Italian international talisman Attilio
Lombardo and skipper Andy Roberts missing out this time through
injuries. Coppell countered: "That is an insult to Hull."
Eagles' boss refused to name the defensive 'culprit' who had allowed one
lan Wright, not the record-breaking ex-Palace version you understand, a
far post header after 29 minutes from Richard Peacock's corner, giving
goalkeeper Kevin Miller no chance for a 2-0 aggregate advantage.
Premiership Palace's players deserved to be booed off at half-time.
All appeared to be forgiven as Australian international midfielder
Carl Veart headed home
Marc Edworthy's cross after 55 minutes to equalise on the night,
beating impressive goalkeeper Steve Wilson.
And then substitute striker George Ndah, on for defender Danny Boxall
after only 39 minutes, made a storybook return following a month's loan
spell with Gillingham by putting Palace ahead on the night after 77
minutes. Fellow substitute striker Dougie Freedman's cross was helped on
by the profligate Paul Warhurst for Ndah to fire home at the far post.
Palace should have put player-manager Mark Hateley's Hull's heroes out now
in extra time. Instead Eagles made an ignominious exit.
Palace - Miller, Edworthy, Gordon, Linighan, Warhurst, Shipperley,
Veart (sub: Rodger 95 min), Hreidarsson, Fullarton, Zohar (sub:
Freedman 71 min), Boxall (sub: Ndah 39 min).Attendance: 6,407.
NO STAYING POWER, NO HOME WIN, NO EXCUSES
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Palace 2 Bolton Wanderers 2
NO one needs reminding that, despite their impressive away record,
Palace are without a home Premiership victory so far this season.
As for Steve Coppell's men they will want to forget a match in which they
worked up to full throttle and then mysteriously spun out of control
before spluttering to a point they just about deserved.
Leading 2-0 after 20 minutes, Palace looked like doubling that score with
a wave of attacks. But they allowed fellow promoted Bolton back into the
game and nearly looked like conceding all three points in a nervous second
half
The Eagles owed a debt of honour to goalkeeper Kevin Miller. He is,
like fellow Cornishman and former Palace keeper Nigel Martyn, fast
becoming a favourite with the home fans.
Against Bolton he twice pulled off incredible stops from dangerman
Nathan Blake to enable Palace to record their first home point of the
season. Add to that a string of saves in both halves and some excellent
performances in previous matches and you have a player who is fast proving
that Palace were lucky to get him for an unspectacular 1.25 m from Watford
in the close season.
With Bruce Dyer still injured Coppell allowed Dougie Freedman to
display his credentials as attacker. No one can fault his fully
committed efforts but he seemed to run out of ideas when in crucial
scoring positions.
And when he scooped a ball over the bar from close range late in the
second half with the score at 2-2, the crowd 'got on his back' and Coppell
decided to take him off in favour of Neil Shipperley.
It failed to make any difference, the Bolton rearguard, marshalled by Per
Frandsen, refusing to buckle. So much so that goalkeeper Keith Branagan
was left out of the main line of action in the closing stages.
Palace made the sharpest of starts, Paul Warhurst beating Branagan
with a low shot in the ninth minute after meeting a defence splitting pass
from Jamie Fullarton. Ten minutes later it was 2-0. Warhurst earned a free
kick on the left, Attilio Lombardo's skimming ball was only half cleared
and defender Dean Gordon shaped up to fire an unstoppable shot past the
Bolton keeper.
This led to some confident, constructive soccer from Palace with
Lombardo, Warhurst and Fullarton creating numerous opening.
A third goal was always on the cards. But, when Branagan made a superb
double save first from Warhurst and then Kevin Muscat, in the 35th minute,
this was, arguably, the turning point of the match.
A minute later Bolton were back in the match, 36 year old Peter
Beardsley turning in a right win cross from Nathan Blake.
The expected second half onslaught from Palace failed to materialise.
Bolton became more adventurous in attack and Blake set up a chance for
substitute Michael Johansen to crack in the equaliser in the 65th minute.
Lombardo nursing a strained thigh might have earned a penalty when he
carved his way into the box only to be upended with lO minutes left.
Manager Coppell said at the end. "We played well for the first 20
minutes and then put on our L-plates."
Palace--Miller, Muscat (sub: Quinn 72 min), Linighan, Edworthy,
Hreidarsson, Gordon Lombardo, Roberts, Fullarton, Warhurst (sub Veart 77
min), Freedman (sub: Shipperley 72 min).
Bolton--Branagan, Bergsson, Todd, Taggart Whitlow, Pollock (sub:
Johanssen 61 min) Frandsen, Sellars, Thompson, Beardsley, Blake
Booked:Muscat, Fullarton (Palace), Frandsen Sellars, Todd (Bolton).
Referee: D Ellery (Harrow).
Attendance: 17,134.
YOUTHS GAIN NAP HAND IN LEAGUE
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Palace Youth 5 Coventry City Youth 0
STRIKING duo Andrew Martin and Clinton Morrison both grabbed first
half goal braces as Palace's under-19s crushed Coventry in the FA
Premier Youth League at Mitcham on Saturday.
And proud manager Peter Nicholas said: "The lads did very well. It was a
chalk and cheese performance after our previous display at Barnsley."
Ex-Welsh schoolboy international Martin started the goal rush after 18
minutes. Morrison added the next two goals after 22 and 34 minutes. And
Martin rounded off the first period scoring after 40 minutes for a 4-0
half-time lead.
Gareth Graham added a penalty on 65 minutes after Steve Evans had been
pushed at the far post.
Ex-Welsh schoolboys skip-per Lee Kendall kept a clean sheet on his
'senior' goal-keeping debut.
Palace - Kendall, Clark (sub: Nicholas 85 min), Hibburt, Woozley
Carlisle, Kennedy, Sears, Graham (sub: Dsane 80 min), Evans (sub:
Marney 85 min), Morrison, Martin.
MURRAY Jones' second-string juniors crashed 5 0 at Cambridge United in the
South East Counties League First Division on Saturday.
Palace - Cumber, Boardman, Wilde Hankin, Frampton, Lougbran, Hill
Leacock, Fiston, Sharpling, Bibby. Subs: Saunders, Moon, Barry
Williams (not used).
NASH INJURY CREATES A PROBLEM
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Charlton Ath Reserves 2 Palace Reserves 0
STEVE Kember's high-flying Eagles' second-string side turned in a poor
performance as they went down to local rivals Charlton Athletic in this
Avon Insurance Combination League match at Welling on Wednesday.
And, to cap a miserable afternoon, Palace had goalkeeper Carlo Nash
stretchered off with a back injury on the hour.
Back-up goalkeeper Gareth Ormshaw stepped in between the posts.
Nash would have travelled with Palace's first team to Old Trafford
tomorrow (Saturday) and Palace are hoping to sign a cover goalkeeper in
time for the trip.
Charlton went ahead in the 41st minute when Scott Parker volleyed in Paul
Emblen's cross.
And, in the 62nd minute, Carl Leaburn outpaced Palace's defence to
score without a defender in sight.
Palace - Nash (sub: Ormshaw), Ginty, Folan, Burton (sub: Kennedy),
Mullins, Quinn, Thomson, Graham, Martin, McKenzie, Stevens. Sub:
Clarke (not used).
Reserves visit Norwich City on Thursday (7.30 pm).
Tomorrow's (Saturday) fixtures are: Sunderland (away, FAPYL) and
Tottenham Hotspur (away, Spurs Lodge, Chigwell, SECL, 11 am.
Well that's all for this week folks !!!
So, from Kevin and I .....
UP THE PALACE !!!!
Here is the latest NEWSWIRE from Alan Johnston........
ATTILLIO BACK
*************
Crystal Palace will welcome back Italian midfield international
Attilio Lombardo for their daunting Premiership trip to face champions
Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow.
The former Juventus star has been out with a thigh injury but his
comeback will be a much needed boost for Palace following their
Coca-Cola Cup exit against third division strugglers Hull.
Captain Andy Roberts missed that midweek humiliation through injury and
he will face a late fitness test along with Bruce Dyer, who has also
been sidelined recently.
Defender Marc Edworthy is still struggling with a knee niggle but he is
expected to be fit for the trip, hoping that the problem will clear up
entirely in the next couple of weeks.
One man definitely ruled out is goalkeeper Carlo Nash, who suffered
cracked ribs during Palace reserves' midweek defeat against Charlton.
His place on the substitutes' bench will be taken by South African
youngster Gareth Ormshaw.
Midfielder Simon Rodger is now match fit after making his comeback in
midweek against Hull having been ruled out in recent weeks with an
ankle injury which cleared up after an injection.
Team (from): Miller, Edworthy, Gordon, Linighan, Warhurst, Shipperley,
Veart, Rodger, Hreidarsson, Fullarton, Zohar, Freedman, Boxall, Ndah,
Roberts, Dyer, Lombardo, Ormshaw.
Alan Johnston.
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Now we have some EAGLE-EYE reports....
The first is from Janet Gates :
LOMBARDO BACK FOR UNITED CLASH
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by Ken Dyer - London Evening Standard.
CRYSTAL PALACE welcome back Italian Attilio Lombardo for the daunting
trip to Old Trafford tomorrow.
Palace manager Steve Coppell returns to Manchester, officially for the
first time since his brief spell in charge at Maine Road last season.
Far happier is the time Coppell spent at Old Trafford and the former
England player said he was suitably impressed by United's 3-2 Champion's
League victory over Juventus.
"It was a super game and both teams played at a standard which we don't
see in the Premiership," he said.
One man hoping to do better than his former Juventus team-mates is
Lombardo, who has had a thigh injury.
"There's no bigger stage than Old Trafford," said Coppell, "and Attillio
will want to perform on it."
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Also, in the STANDARD'S Football Focus round-up and prediction's for
the games:
Man Utd v C Palace
******************
Steve Coppell will know just how much big European nights, such as
Wednesday's Old Trafford thriller, take out of you. He will be urging
his team to test out some tired United legs. Palace suffered a glitch
against Hull in midweek but on the Richter scale of soccer disasters, it
will hardly register.
And their match prediction ? 'A Palace Point'.
(**JG** And they're usually quite sceptical!)
And......
I just noticed this little snippet in October's TOTAL FOOTBALL
magazine:-
"Of course, no European football city is buzzing like London right
now. With six clubs in the Premiership, Gullit and Wenger
spreading the Continental word and a galaxy of stars wafting in and
out, the big smoke is much as it was in the 70's heyday of the
fancydans - only without the Dubonnet, of course. Atillio 'Popeye'
Lombardo is only the latest imported star to find London's charms
irresistible. As any tour guide will tell you, however, there are
limits to how much Johnny Foreigner can learn about this great
city. Asked to locate Crystal Palace's ground on a map of the
underground, Popeye reportedly got out his pencil and pointed to
..... Wembley."
**JG** Well maybe it is our second home!!
Also, in next month's issue the have an exclusive interview with the
Bald Eagle himself - it's out on October 9th
Sent in by : Janet Gates.
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And now it is TOM NICHOLLS' contribution from the DAILY RECORD........
MANCHESTER UNITED'S stunning win over Juventus may have sent shock
waves round Europe but it hasn't bothered Jamie Fullarton.
In fact, the former St Mirren ace can't wait to get to grips with Ryan
Giggs, David Beckham and Co when Crystal Palace visit Old Trafford
tomorrow.
The Scot said: "Pitting my wits against the likes of Butt, Beckham and
Giggs is what I came down here for.
"They are all world class players but that's what gives the game such
a buzz for me."
A year ago Fullarton was performing in front of barely 2000 fans at Love
Street. But tomorrow nearly 50,000 will be hoping the former Buddie has
a stinker.
Jamie said: "Who hasn't dreamt of playing at Old Trafford? Let's face
it, Manchester United are one of the best teams in the world.
"On paper they should walk all over us and I already hear people saying
that it will be lambs to the slaughter. But we won't listen to such
talk."
Fullarton landed his dream move to the Premiership in the summer after
a year with French side Bastia.
Celtic, Aberdeen and Hibs were all keen to bring the fiery midfielder
back to Scotland before Palace boss Steve Coppell stepped in.
Jamie said: "I know there was a lot of speculation about returning to
Scotland but it never crossed my mind.
"When I knew there was a good chance of playing in England I never gave
Scot-land a second thought. It's always been my ambition to play here."
Now he commands a first-team place at Selhurst Park alongside Italian
WorldCup star Attilio Lombardo.
Jamie said: "Lombardo is world class. His technical ability is
unbelievable.
"But in the changing room he is just on of the lads. People tend to
think foreigners don't work hard in training but Attilio works his
backside off just like everyone else.
"The only problem he has is his English - he doesn't speak any.
"He brings an interpreter along to the ground every day and he gets all
our messages. He's now fluent in swearing.
"But he does his talking on the pitch and he's great to play with. You
can't fail to learn from a player like that."
Sent in by : Tom Nicholls.
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And finally, I received this little snippet from Peter Skinner......
"Thought you might be interested in a little titbit......."
"It may be a red herring but, I overheard a brief interchange
between a Palace fan and Paul Rocastle at the Hull game. Rocastle
said that he "hoped" to be joining Palace."
Peter Skinner.
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