The Weird And Wonderful World Of Pre-Season

Pre-season is a weird beast.

It is a mixture of excitement and disappointment.

Excitement comes from the impending new season, the first glimpse of a new signing, catching up with drinking buddies again (or meeting new ones – cheers Jo for the company!), you know, because you cannot possibly see your football friends in the summer.

Disappointment comes from the inevitable poor performances which at Palace have become as common as a Yannick Bolasie over hit cross (a couple today, incidentally!).

But we still go. Because excitement outweighs disappointment. And hey, it is only pre-season.

I have to admit, I have not been to a pre-season game for a while but the lure of a new ground was too much to resist. As the planned hour long trip to Colchester United turned into an unplanned two hour trip, I did reconsider my life choices but plowed ahead regardless.

As for the game?

colchesterIt was as meaningless as a pre-EU referendum poll, especially for the majority of first team players who did their best not to expend too much energy. There were plenty there playing for places in the squad, never mind the team, and too many failed to impress. If the first half was not snooze-worthy enough, the slew of second half changes for both teams certainly did not help matters.

Alex McCarthy flapped. Zeki Fryers looked lost. Mutch scored a blinder and then resorted to five yard passes backwards. After a ninth minute Palace goal, the hosts showed more energy and attacking intent. An equaliser would have been fully deserved, on chances alone. This game did allow some of our youngsters to showcase their talents though and, in some cases, against a level they had grown accustomed to out on loan. Hiram Boateng bullied the middle of the park, Sullay Kaikai showed some good pace and nice touches and Luke Croll looked composed alongside Martin Kelly at the back.

A good run out for fitness purposes but that really is about it. Next!

My man of the match has to be the coming of age Boateng as he controlled the midfield comfortably and distributed simply without putting others under pressure.

Most shocking revelation of the night was that the away kit looks much better in the flesh but:

  • Why are the socks a different shade of yellow?
  • All the players’ boots clashed with the kit other than Yannick. Black boots, please! (with thanks to Jo for her fashion tips!)

Highlight of the match was getting home in half the time it took to get there!

 

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