Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Crystal Palace 2-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Tuesday, 22nd Aug 2017 21:55

Bersant Celina netted his first Blues goal in injury time but two James McArthur strikes saw Crystal Palace to a 2-1 second round Carabao Cup victory over a very young Town side at Selhurst Park. The youthful Blues did themselves proud and held out until the 76th minute when McArthur curled home the first of his brace, the second coming eight minutes later before Celina's goal threatened to spark a late, late Town comeback.

Manager Mick McCarthy named his expected side, which he said yesterday is the youngest he has fielded in his 25 years as a boss. The 10 outfield players have an average age of just over 19.

George Fowler, 19, Pat Webber, 18, Shane McLoughlin, 20, and Ben Folami, 18, were all handed their first-team debuts, while Luke Woolfenden, 18, made his senior start.

Dean Gerken, a veteran at 32, was in goal and skippered with Woolfenden at right-back, Fowler and Webber the centre-halves and Tristan Nydam, 17, at left-back.

In central midfield, Flynn Downes, 18, was partnered in the centre by Adam McDonnell, 20, with on-loan Manchester City winger Bersant Celina, 20, on the left and Danny Rowe, 25, on the right. McLoughlin and Folami were up front.

Downes, Nydam and Rowe were the only ones in the squad to have played on Saturday, when they all came on as subs. Town named just the five subs.

Palace made seven changes from the side which lost 1-0 at Liverpool at the weekend but still included five players who would be considered first-team regulars. Jason Lokilo, an 18-year-old Belgian attacker, was handed his debut.

Former Blues defender Damien Delaney wasn’t included in the 18, while there was also no place for former loanee Jonny Williams. Andros Townsend, another one-time Town loanee was on the bench, but Connor Wickham is still sidelined with the knee injury which ended his 2016/17.

Palace perhaps unsurprisingly had virtually all the ball in the early stages and Sullay Kaikai, who was linked with a loan move to the Blues last season, hit a second-minute shot wide.

But Town, wearing last year’s all white away kit, gradually began to find their feet with Rowe playing a superb cross-field ball to Celina in the eighth minute.

The Kosovan international, making his second appearance for the Blues, looked to run at the Eagles defence every time he got the ball.

The half developed into a slow-paced game played in an almost pre-season friendly atmosphere with one side having a spell of possession and then the other without either creating a chance.

On 17, after Rowe’s promising run had been thwarted at one end, Nydam intercepted a ball played into Lokilo’s path at the other, the Blues’ left-back diverting it out off the Palace man.

Two minutes later, Downes played a clever ball into Folami’s path inside the Palace box but the Australian was dispossessed as he cut inside a defender.

Celina made a dangerous run into the left of the area in the 22nd minute but the danger was cleared before he could find a team-mate.

Town struck their first shot of the match a minute later. Woolfenden played the ball in to Folami’s feet and the striker held it up for what seemed an age before laying it off to the on-rushing Rowe on the edge of the box, but the former Macclesfield man smashed well over.


At the other end, Yohan Cabaye hit a 25th minute strike which was blocked by Fowler, then Patrick van Aanholt shot well wide. Four minutes later, Woolfenden was forced to nod a cross from the right behind at the far post.

Gerken was forced into serious action for the first time in the 33rd minute, diving low to stop Scott Dann’s header from Palace skipper Jason Puncheon’s corner on the right.

Three minutes later, Nydam made an important sliding challenge as Lokilo chased a Puncheon ball down the middle.

As the half moved into its final five minutes the young Blues found themselves pinned back in their half and shortly before the whistle Gerken was called to make another save.

The former Colchester man got across to his left to brilliantly paw away Cabaye’s 20-yard freekick, which looked destined for the top corner, Downes having fouled Lokilo.

After Folami had chased down Rowe’s long ball and Palace keeper Julian Speroni had deftly taken it past him on the edge of his box, much to the delight of the home fans, the half was brought to a close.

The young Blues had far from disgraced themselves against a strong, if not full-strength, Palace side.

The Eagles had had a lot of the ball but had only forced Gerken into two real saves, while the Town kids had also had spells of possession and carved out a couple of openings of their own, albeit without testing Speroni.

Celina, who had started brightly, had become a peripheral figure as the half wore on and Town needed to get the on-loan Manchester City man more involved in the second half.

Ahead of the restart Palace switched Dann for on-loan Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

Woolfenden made a strong early run down the right before exchanging passes with Rowe but the youngster’s cross was too close to Speroni.

Gerken was forced into his first save of the second half in the 52nd minute, the Town skipper getting sharply down to his right to save Kaikai’s low strike.

Town’s first chance of the second period came three minutes later. A corner on the left, the Blues’ first of the game, was played short to Celina, who cut in and hit a shot which curled wide.

Celina made a strong run down the middle a minute later before laying the ball to McLoughlin to his left but his cross was cleared.

On 57 Downes was booked for a foul on Van Aanholt and as Palace prepared to take the freekick they swapped the Dutchman for ex-Blues loan man Townsend.

Cabaye shot high and wide from distance as the game approached the hour mark with the young Blues still very much in it.

In the 65th minute the Blues replaced Folami, who can be pleased with his battling debut up front, for Ben Morris, making it five debuts for the Blues.

Town enjoyed a spell of pressure around the 66th minute mark, but without being able to create a clear-cut opening.

But as the match moved into its final 20 minutes, one or two mistakes began to creep in as the young Blues backline tired, Kaikai taking advantage but shooting over before making way for Chung-yong Lee.

Then, as rain suddenly began to fall heavily, Palace took the lead in the 76th minute. James McArthur broke towards goal with the ball, turned inside Fowler and curled a shot past Gerken and into the net.

The young Blues began to find themselves under almost constant pressure and on 78 a run from Townsend, whose introduction had significantly livened up the home side, ended with Lokilo being found in space at the far post. The Belgian should have scored but Gerken got across to save.

Lokilo went close again soon afterwards, hitting the post after finding himself space with some trickery on the left of the area.

Town swapped Nydam, who had greatly impressed in his secondary role as a left-back, and McLoughlin, who had put in his usual combative display up front, for Monty Patterson and Chris Smith, both of whom were making their Town first-team debuts, taking the night’s total to seven.

Gerken saved McArthur’s effort from distance on 82, but two minutes later the Scotland international made it 2-0, smashing his second of the night past Gerken from 20 yards.

As the game moved into four minutes of injury time the Blues youngsters sent their 1,904 travelling fans - who included rested left-back Myles Kenlock - wild by pulling a goal back.

Downes found Morris on the right and the England U18 international cut it back for Celina, who confidently slotted his first goal for the Blues past Speroni.

The goal gave the Town youngsters - and their support - renewed vigour and they went looking for an equaliser in the remaining minutes.

And it almost came seconds before the whistle when New Zealand international Patterson flicked a freekick from the right not too far past Speroni’s right post.

But, while there was to be no dramatic comeback, the young Town side can be very proud of their efforts.

What was a far more experienced Palace team only started to really dominate in the closing 20 minutes as Town ran out of steam and in the end they gave the home side a minor scare in the final moments.

There were promising displays all over the team - Downes, McDonnell, Nydam and Woolfenden probably the pick, while Gerken handled impressively in goal - and manager McCarthy will feel the evening was a very useful exercise with a number of his younger fringe players - as well as Celina and Rowe, who both looked a little off the top of their games - having got vital first-team minutes under their belts.

The senior Blues XI will be back in action in the Championship at home to Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Ward, Dann (Fosu-Mensah 46), Kelly, Van Aanholt (Townsend 56), Puncheon (c), McArthur, Schlupp, Lokilo, Kaikai (Lee 75), Cabaye. Unused: Hennessey, Tomkins, Milivojevic, Benteke.

Town: Gerken (c), Woolfenden, Fowler, Webber, Nydam (C Smith 81), Rowe, McDonnell, Downes, Celina, McLoughlin (Patterson 81), Folami (Morris 61). Unused: Crowe, McKendry. Referee: Andy Davies (Hampshire). Att: 9,837 (Town: 1,904).


Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



StokeHigh97 added 22:18 - Aug 22
I hope everyone at the academy gets so much praise! to go to palace who had a lot of premier league experience players & hold their own for 70 minutes was v impressive: So many youngest have shown they can step up & compete for a first team squad place: the more I see Live & hear about Downes the more I like: got too be the best youngest since the days of Bent Ambrose Dyer: Good to see Celina score & play 90 mins: Roll on Saturday I really hope we get a big crowd Saturday the team deserves it:
5

brendanh added 22:19 - Aug 22
Eyes on the prize Town. Palace subbed on £30 million worth. Stand out's were Celina: best dribbler in the club, gave CP numerous problems us hope at the end, and Downes was the best CM on the pitch. Bit dissappointed in Rowe who was outshone by the kids.
2

SohoBlue added 22:21 - Aug 22
So good to see so many in the wings waiting for a league debut...
They had to bring on replacements to break their spirit and determination. There's a strong team
Spirit for you! Well done lads!
2

Surco72 added 22:24 - Aug 22
Trevski. ..you like many others are sounding like idiots by asking where all the MM haters are when he is doing exactly what we were asking him to do last season by giving the kids a chance the Ipswich way not old has been top blokes well past their best like Coke , Douglas , Varney , Best etc . Or playing 2 defensive central midfielders or Chambers at right back .
This is another really good result and experience for our kids which all real Town fans will take pleasure from without trying to score points on other supporters
19

rfretwell added 22:26 - Aug 22
Great performance in the circumstances from our young lads, not to mention Gerks who kept us in ot at times. Downes excellent, Webber and Fowler also excellent at centre back. Buh strong lads who won most of their headers albeit they weren't up against Benteke..
3

Swn98 added 22:30 - Aug 22
To be fair I think Rowe picked up a groin strain halfway through 1st half
2

trevski added 22:37 - Aug 22
@Surco72 if you actually read my statement I was in full support of what the youngsters did tonight and had nothing but praise for them. I have been wanting MM to play more of the youngsters for months now and I am glad that he is seeing is mistakes of last season, used the summer to turn the team on it's head and play some much better football of this year (which is actually a comment I made after the Lincoln FA Cup matches). The first line was just a joke as I know what some of the people on here are like after just one loss.
0

algarvefan added 22:44 - Aug 22
If I'm honest I half expected a heavy defeat tonight but although a loss that's an excellent result and it sounds like some great performances too, well done to all the young lads and Gerks, VERY proud to be a Town fan tonight, they are our future .....lets hope Mick gives them the opportunities this season to shine in the league.
Very well done again lads
2

GiveusaWave added 22:48 - Aug 22
Good result, well done to all the team.
1

Kikapu added 22:48 - Aug 22
Surco77 Ah right - so you're the 'real Town fans' now.
God help us.
-3

Pedro added 23:01 - Aug 22
Could not make tonight because of a work commitment and despite living in south London but it sounds like our season continues to be excellent and the experience the lads have gained will be very useful. Keep up the good work Mick and everyone else at the club.
1

Surco72 added 23:04 - Aug 22
Kikapu...no , your right MM was forced to change his style and ethos by the fans who backed him whatever not the mass loss of season ticket renewals by those who refused to except it
2

cornishblu added 23:17 - Aug 22
Sitting in hotel room post the game...it's already been said but never have been more proud of a town team that have lost .
I am simply astonished that our youngsters can play such an attractive style of football and our first team...prior to this season...relied so heavily on hoofball....perhaps that's why they couldn't get in the team

Focus...tonight was a great night to be proud of the team...and the magnificent support who turned out in their hundreds to back a team that is winning
....is this our Ipswich back..
COYB and thank you fir a great night
5

BrettenhamBlue added 23:42 - Aug 22
Webbber and the Wolf did a great job in defence until they got tired at round 60 min mark. Shows they could come on in last 30 mins in a Championship fixture to relieve stress on Knudsen or Spence.
1

Sospiri added 01:33 - Aug 23
Its frustrating when people attack the 'Mick haters'. People don't really 'hate' Mick, they are just frustrated that he sets up every game to get a draw, home and away, until this season, when injuries have forced him to play what is left - all his attackers. I think we all pray that he wont go back to his old ways when everyone is fit again.
3

Minneapolis_ITFC added 02:51 - Aug 23
Tangible disappointment to have been eliminated and it's times like this you strongly desire to be in the majority who couldn't care less and show total apathy towards this particular competition.

Doubtless a scenario of if's and maybe's (had a strong starting team been fielded) but the kids this evening just fell short of the mark. Saying that by all accounts they did themselves proud and got some names for the future coming through, but can't hide some level of dismay to be out of the competition bearing in mind our league start.



0

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 04:49 - Aug 23
Ipswich yoof has always played the right way. It's in the club's DNA, and last night was no exception, evidently. Just got to make sure the first team continue to learn from them. Well done!
1

JimmyP45 added 05:41 - Aug 23
Well done lads fantastic job. These kids will be keeping the first teamers on their toes to perform well.
2

lightingblue added 06:37 - Aug 23
Well done to all at the club for nurturing these youngsters. Now the next stage is for these young players to maintain that level on a consistent level. Some can do this naturally and some may need a bit of help. The long and short of it is that they've tasted it, let's see who wants to have more of it. Again well done to all concerned, and now the ball is pretty much in the youngsters court. Opportunity is a big word in every sense. Let's see who now takes it.
2

SpiritOfJohn added 06:48 - Aug 23
Exciting times to be a Town fan! Looking forward to Saturdays again instead of dreading them. Well done to all for getting my mojo back - including Mick! Hope Downes stays in the team for Fulham.
2

dirtydingusmagee added 07:01 - Aug 23
Trevski , I was a ''Mick hater'' as you put it, last two seasons and hated the way he was performing to the point that I stopped going to matches ,[never went to any last season,HOWEVER, He and Evans seem to have seen the light and things have changed [hopefully it will last].I have been pleased with the signings and with the way things have changed on the pitch.For that reason I have given credit where due,and am now prepared to return to terraces.I doubt I'm alone , the ''Mick Haters'' were so p........d off with his tactics and attitude they vented their frustrations whilst others were happy to go along watching and listening to crap .If McCarthy can achieve the things he has been boasting about ,good for him ,i'll be happy to see him stay, but if the old ways return ,I wont be happy at all .
10

jas0999 added 08:13 - Aug 23
I'd usually be very disappointed with a defeat and the loss of momentum. However, this occasion is a big exception. If anything, this very positive performance can only have a good impact on the squad. Also keeps the senior players on their toes. The defeat is almost irrelevant as the youngsters will have learnt a lot from this.

Also goes to show - yet again - that Mick was wrong to rely on players like Douglas, Coke and Best ahead of younger homegrown players. A mixture of permanent senior players and youngsters from our academy is definitely the way forward. Might not achieve promotion this season, or maybe even next. But boy, these players will be very good and a force in years to come.

Well done all. Well done.
7

TimmyH added 08:24 - Aug 23
Well done boys you did the club proud - useful experience for the future!!
3

Brownie added 08:48 - Aug 23
I'm from the MM out camp. However I don't believe he has changed the team & tactics based on fan opinions.
Don't you think its a bit arrogant to blame the manager & owner when things are not going well and then if they improve to claim the credit?
Well done to the lads last night. Whether the improvement can be sustained only time will tell. I have my doubts. Either way credit to MM & the squad and here's hoping for a win again Saturday.

COYB!
3

IpswichT62OldBoy added 09:02 - Aug 23
The youth players were all around last season, but 12 months younger which is significant I think. I suspect it has taken this long to produce fully functioning senior players through our youth system.
It makes my heart happy to see a return to the Ipswich way, home grown talent blended with experience.
Turning over the Keane legacy of no youth team has been the most significant change and will be our future.
Thanks for giving us back hope and excitement.
3


You need to login in order to post your comments

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024