Tamás Priskin netted a second half penalty but it wasn’t enough to stop a strong Town reserves side from losing 2-1 to Arsenal in a friendly at Playford Road. After an almost chance free first half, Ignasi Miquel and Ozan Ozyakup put the Gunners, who included former Blue Fabian Wilnis’s nephew Kyle Ebecilio as a sub, two goals in front after the break.

The Blues were on top in what was a first half almost entirely devoid of goalscoring opportunities and which began eight minutes before the scheduled time with Town boss Paul Jewell still making his way to the pitch.

Striker Daryl Murphy only lasted 18 minutes before succumbing to what looked like a groin injury, Ronan Murray taking over.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, a contemporary of many of the visitors’ side during his time at Arsenal, hit the period’s most significant effort but the ball curled well away from Vito Mannone’s goal.

At the other end, a promising run from one-time Leeds loanee Sanchez Watt ended with Jack Ainsley, playing at centre-half, looping the ball into keeper Arran Lee-Barrett’s hands.

Aside from that the Gunners’ side, which included Craig Eastmond, who has some first team experience, threatened little with most of the opening period played in their half of the field.

The Blues introduced trialist Max Lonsdale as a sub at half-time. The 18-year-old former Macclesfield midfielder previously spent time on trial at Manchester United and Doncaster following his release by the Silkmen.

Eight minutes after the break, the visitors, most of whom were involved in the Carling Cup last week, went in front. Ozan Ozyakup sent in a deep corner from the left and Arsenal captain Ignasi Miquel nodded it home at the far post.

Mannone pushed an Emmanuel-Thomas shot behind five minutes later, before the Gunners increased their lead. Ozyakup played a one-two on the edge of the area before striking a low shot which beat Lee-Barrett.

The Blues looked to hit back, Colin Healy having a shot deflect wide after good work from Emmanuel-Thomas on the right. Moments later, Murray had an effort blocked, then Healy again had an strike diverted wide by a defender.

For the Gunners, sub Jeffrey Monakana forced Lee-Barrett to tip over, then from the resultant corner another sub Gavin Hoyte nodded over. The watching Fabian Wilnis’s nephew Kyle Ebecilio, a midfielder, was also amongst those introduced by the Gunners during the second half.

Town were continuing to push for a goal with the lively Murray chipping over, then sending in a cross which the equally busy Lee Martin headed just too high.

Luke Freeman shot into Lee-Barrett’s sidenetting, before the Blues pulled a goal back from the penalty spot with 12 minutes remaining. Priskin, the man who had been tripped by Arsenal central defender Dani Boateng, confidently found the corner of the net from 12 yards.

The Blues pushed for the equaliser during the final 10 minutes. Sub Shane O’Connor whipped in a fine cross from the left but Josh Carson blazed over.

Murray shot across the face of goal, then Luke Hyam saw two strikes blocked. O’Connor sent in a freekick from the left with two minutes remaining, Hyam nodding down to Cormac Burke but the Northern Irishman’s shot was saved.

The whistle went soon after to end what was a very well attended game at Playford Road. The Blues had had the better of the first half but allowed the visitors to go in front via two preventable goals but had enough opportunities in the final half hour to have grabbed the draw.

The game largely passed trialist Lonsdale by, while the likes of Healy, Martin and Carson did well in midfield during the first half in particular.

Murray was a threat during the second period and Emmanuel-Thomas had his moments, as he always does, while one or two of the senior players will feel they probably ought to have shown more against an Arsenal side short on experience if not talent.

Most of the Town senior and academy staff were spotted at the game, as were first teamers Nathan Ellington and Grant Leadbitter, while Colchester boss John Ward was also amongst those watching from the touchline.

Reserves: Lee-Barrett, Bennett (Hyam 66), Whight (O'Connor 66), Ainsley, Smith, Carson, Healy, Martin (Burke 74), Emmanuel-Thomas (Priskin 66), Murphy (Murray 18), Priskin (Lonsdale 46). Unused: Cropper.

Photo: Action Images

h32 added 18:59 - Nov 1 Priskin has talent, and needs as all Stikers do, confidence - a good run in the team would give him that - he's not had that, and unlikely to get it - shame on the Manager I'm afraid. Eight players in against Millwall over 30 - Shameful. Where are we heading with a Manager who orchestrates that ??
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broomfield123 added 19:28 - Nov 1 The goal Priskin scored against the gunners was the only decent thing he did. Makes it a bloody expensive goal.
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Keaneish added 19:30 - Nov 1 FFS - O'Connor came on as sub and never started!? Leadbitter and Ellington should be in that team as far as i'm concerned!
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Garv added 19:34 - Nov 1 Priskin should know that he doesn't deserve a chance in the first team. But we need, I think, to give him a game. Paul needs to say to him 'you think I've been wrong in leaving you out for so long, show me why and score against Doncaster'.
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WashbrookBlue added 19:36 - Nov 1 It simply beggars belief that there are those out there advocating promoting Priskin back into the side. It is one thing to make some potentially valid criticism of the quality of Jewell's forward signings ( JET, Murphy, Ellington especially) and the jury is out for sure as to whether these players will add the sort of value that justifies their manager's faith. But it is something completely else to suggest that we promote a man weak in mind and body, who has failed consistently over a much longer period of time to come anywhere near justifying his place let alone his fee and who has spent this year sulking around like a spoilt brat. Just what sort of message would that send exactly??? Oh, to get back in this side , you don't have to work hard, prove your doubters wrong, put the team first, never whinge etc etc (which is by the way EXACTLY what Scotland has done to turn it around - much to my amazement actually); no , none of that. All you have to do is sulk, do nothing in training, show nothing in the reserves and you'll be back. Frankly , I am past caring whether he has talent or not (highly unlikely though by any objective analysis) . His day ( or rather 90 minutes against Arsenal) has come and long long gone. Others currently in the frame may come and go too but for the time being its their turn to justify themselves and prove their worth and the manager is right to focus on them first and foremost. Priskin can rot until HE actually takes responsibility and gets himself together (even Chopra not betting on that) or some other club sees the hidden jemstone that we are all apparently missing ( not exactly queuing up though are they?). Honestly, get real people.

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broomfield123 added 19:43 - Nov 1 the only right foot priskin should have is the 1 up his arse to bounce him out the door. Then tell him to shut it behind him and and keep walking without looking back
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harlingblue added 20:01 - Nov 1 I had the pleasure of watching some of the forgotten players today, took a days holiday just to see the ones that are missing from the first but deserve their chance. For all the Priskin moaners: he did alright, had a header saved on the line, scored what would have been a good goal as he beat the offside trap but another player didn't, was fouled for the penalty that he scored...should be picked for Saturday! Martin worked extremely hard and should be on the bench at least for Saturday, but MUST get rid of his impetuous need to make rash challengers. JET did alright but not ready for 1st team football...he needs to LEARN the game and what is wanted from him within a team. Healy played a useful game, Carson should have done better, Hyam and O'Connor looked good when they eventually had their chance. Whight looks a good player, but not as yet as good as Cresswell. I could add more, but you have probably all gone to sleep or are thinking of cheese...but hey I went there, enjoyed it, and gave you my insight. Amen

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theblueginger added 20:18 - Nov 1 The face that explains a great many things...
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harlingblue added 20:33 - Nov 1 To theblueginger...do you mean the mugshot of Tamas at the start of the article? Yes it's? ''what am I not even on the bench'? you must be f....g joking!'
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Gazelle added 22:01 - Nov 1 Would picking Priskin in the side at Millwall have stopped us letting four in i ask.
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Garv added 22:07 - Nov 1 I like how people forget how Scotland moaned that he wasn't getting in the team and wanted to go to Swansea because he wasn't playing. That was when Swansea wouldn't pay enough of his wages. Basically I'm talking about WashBrookBlue who says Scotland never moaned.
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Frase1987 added 22:49 - Nov 1 why are we talking about strikers? ageuro wouldn't make a difference with our midfield tactics
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urbanblue added 02:12 - Nov 2 Do all of those who say Priskin never did anything for us forget that he was given MOM on here 5 or 6 times in almost as many weeks ?????
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GiveusaWave added 06:00 - Nov 2 We are doing to Priskin what Man City are doing to Tevez. We have an unbelievably talented world-class player playing in our reserves. Worst decision Paul Jewell ever made. We would be in the top 2 if we played Priskin week in/ week out. For those who might mock my post. Who is actually better than him upfront??????
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8ashblue added 09:50 - Nov 2 i'd play Tamas because he brings height and pace to the team that lacks both. He may not look great at times but i remember when he got rave reviews so if he can do it before why not shake up the team with his inclusion plus maybe bring back Hyam. In latest games we've been beaten for pace and energy so including players that bring the average below 30 should be an improvement

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dugoutdave added 10:08 - Nov 2 WashbrookBlue - I was always taught the more longer to text the less anyone cared about reading it. Seems they were correct
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blueherts added 11:38 - Nov 2 Midfield is where you win or lose games and ours was great for 6 games and now needs a refresh - if you dont supply yer forwards and support yer back 4 yer doomed - I would like to see Hyam and Carson given a run out - It would give us much needed legs and some width - Cresswell and Carson could be quite exciting - hey ho , Alone again naturally ( Gilbert O and Keano_

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CornardBlue added 13:39 - Nov 2 Give Priskin one last chance he owes this club big time, he has taken the big money and apart from a few games given nothing back. Would also bring Healy back in place of Leadbitter Allowing Bullard to play further forward. Healy has always given 100 % when given a game.
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