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Post by bromlee on Aug 2, 2011 23:09:04 GMT
my 1st pre season game, have to say the big positive for me was Ryan Dolby. Had the palace left back having kittens in the 1st half, last season i was crittical of Patterson, not tonight, Harwood was composed and solid. Not overly impressed by Araba nor Tuna after he came on. Hockton & Williams up front does not work. Gareth has a cracking touch but we need a bit of pace, and Gareth just does not have it anymore (did he ever). In my opionin Dolan was shaky in the 1st half but improved in the 2nd. Keeper looked good as well. Spoke to Harry after the game, he said we had 7 players with injuries tonight, not minor knocks but more than that he also said the squad were close and tight knit, with no prima donnas No shame in the result at all. Well played Bromley, thoroughly enjoyed despite the result, may have to rethnk where i think we will finish! Not saying top 4 for a second, but tonight was good, especially the shirt on the back pride part!
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Post by Swaine's Ginger Cat on Aug 3, 2011 8:52:30 GMT
Don’t know if my glasses are too rose tinted, but I thought we were superb. I know it wasn’t a Palace 1st team, but there were 3-4 1st teamers & a couple of youngsters who are extremely well regarded (Williams for example).
I thought a draw would have been fair, but the result is irrelevant, it’s the performance that counts. Dolan may not be the best CB in the league, but if we’re going to be using academy players, then he has to stay IMO. Tutu has now been struck with the captain’s curse, so the majority of the talking is coming from Dolan & he’s leading well. Gareth W looked good before he was subbed, & whilst I don’t think he & Hockton are a great duo, Hockton looked fitter than ever & willing to chase (a big & welcome improvement on his last 2 spells), so I guess it all depends on what budget is available as to whether we can have all 3 strikers.
Dolby’s performance was similar to the other day – he’s a cross/pass away from being a much better player than BSS level, he battled away so well, but often gives it away after the hard work. I think team spirit may play a part in how well we do this year – we don’t have any prima donnas this season (you might have labelled that against Hockton in the past but I don’t think he’ll last 5 mins in this side if he adopts the McBean approach of last season) & we’re gonna need 11 players battling for points as a team, & we’re seeing that already. But it’s not a load of headless chicks running around, there is some skill & good football too, a mark of an MG team. Sali looked excellent again last night (hope the leg injury isn’t a bad one) & I thought Adams looked great at RB – who is he? Agree with bromlee about Paterson too, looked pretty tidy last night
Is Rhule really an academy product? Top marks to Murray Jones if he is. Also thought the other subs made a real effort. Only small doubt for me again is Tuna, but maybe he needs to start Saturday as it’s not easy impressing coming on as sub every week.
Really good friendly atmosphere last night, & hopefully Palace will have gone away knowing again that Bromley is a good pre-season friendly. Only slight worry was there didn’t seem to be many Bromley fans! Hopefully a few Palace fans will know they can see a decent game on their doorstep when Palace are away.
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bern
New Member
Posts: 43
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Post by bern on Aug 3, 2011 20:10:16 GMT
Got to agree with most of what you say BT, I left with a feeling of hope and anticipation for the coming season. I can't agree with Bromlee on his assesment of Araba, I think he looks strong and hungry and we haven't seen that from a striker for a while. If we can get a man to play off him instead of expecting him to do everything ,I think they will be a handful for a lot of teams.
Dolan I believe has been solid and was unlucky last night at both ends and he has got an old head on him which will benefit all around him. Having Hockton and Williams in the set up will be a step back for me, as they are both passed their best and struggle at this level. As for Tuna there is something about him but I'm not sure what. He may come good given a start instead of a sub.
Dolby did what Dolby does and is a great asset and I'm pleased he's back. As for Marlon, he seems a different player to last years so maybe we will see what all the fuss was about with Chelmsford.
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dazza
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by dazza on Aug 3, 2011 21:45:32 GMT
I thought the lads performance last night was the best so far this pre season. Loving the team spirit we seem to have and the touch of quality from a few players.As i have said before on previous posts,the only issue i have at the moment is someone to play off Araba who is nippy and can score. My other issue now is,if Araba keeps going the way he is then i can see a few teams coming in for him before the season is over and while he is on contract and although a few quid would be going our way,it's not exactly gonna help us if he left. Also if he gets injured who else is going to score the goals as he looks the only threat.Hockton and Williams are not going to be able to fill the other spot IMO and as for Tuna,i don't think he can do it either. Would love to have seen a Araba/Vines combo up front but know it won't happen.Dolan and Harwood for me are looking more of a unit with each game so where on earth does that leave Gillman.Don't think either warrant being dropped for him.Sali has for me played his way into the team and Marlon just keeps on producing.Dolby is as steady as ever and if we can get another goalscorer and with pace,keep the keeper we have or on a par with him if we can't and i genuinely feel that maybe a 10th/12th spot would be ours which all things considered would be a blinding season.Must keep Araba to do it though.
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rogie
New Member
Posts: 7
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Post by rogie on Aug 4, 2011 7:11:32 GMT
My first of the season also,went with apprehension but left with optimism.My only concern is we start full of optimism after the fiendlies each year, then by Xmas the squad is unrecognisable from that which played in the friendlies, and the slidedown begins and the quality of football also.
Thought the quality of football, especially the passing , was most encouraging and sure Palace Mgt felt their team had an excellent workout.
Good to see Dolby back, didnt think he had his best game, but he was a consistent performer last season.My concern is he ia all left foot and playing on the right side,any defender with nouse will notice he has to cut inside to cross the ball.Much prefer to see him on the left side.
Still amazed to see Hockton back...passed his best at this level.
Would loved to see Cassius play alongside the new signings.Think he was hard done by last season.
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Post by mikeyh on Aug 5, 2011 20:15:28 GMT
Feel a lot more optimistic after this game ,dont know anything about the right back but he did ok ,would assume Dolby will be back on the left if & when Orlando Smith is back. No sign of Gilman but dont know if he would start in front of Dolan anyway.Think we have put together a decent squad with competition ,especialy in midfield with Harding & Hill to come back from injury.
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