So, I'm never going to be fan of the season. I haven't been to a game in nearly two years. The most I've seen in a season is four. But as a Gatwick-based supporter, I didn't think I could miss this opportunity to support and cheer on the team I call mine.
I was initially sceptical when I heard about the planned line up. Was my occasional night at the football be ruined by watching us get thumped 5, 6, 7 nil? A night wasted, not enjoyed and dampening my enthusiasm for another night in the stands.
But as I walked up to the ground, my mood changed. Yes, I was nervous about such a young back line, but I'd read so many good things about the midfield on here. Could we? Could we really? Probably not, but that glimmer of hope made it interesting.
The first half was encouraging. You could not tell who were the experienced premiership team, and who were the boys who generally play on training pitches and empty stadia. Nice play, strong challenges, and the occasional chance. I can live with this.
As the second half went on, my feelings diverged. We weren't getting behind them, but they were playing 30 yards out and not much further. When French international Yohann Cabaye took a pot shot from 35 yards, I thought they had run out of ideas.
But then came the last 20 minutes. Legs started to tire, internationals continued to come on for Palace. Townsend looked different class, creating problems and nervousness wherever he went. When the two goals went in there was a feeling of inevitability, but still encouraging that they had to be that good to get past us.
And then came the goal. Morris and Patterson looked lively from the moment they came on, And fed by a lovely ball by Downes, Morris took it and, in slow motion it seemed, found a yard of space and then Celina to poke home and give us, perhaps, a chance?
And that chance came with the last kick of the game. A free kick that Celina delivered onto the head of Patterson, his header just flicked on rather than powered towards goal.
It wasn't to be. But no matter. Only one manager will go to bed happy tonight, and that is Mick. The kids aren't ready to take over, but they showed enough tonight that the future is blue. Celina will be the biggest contributor this season but I can see important contributions coming from many of those on the coach back tonight.
Finally, the papers will report that no senior players travelled tonight - not quite true. Just after the first goal, Miles Kenlock was spotted a few rows back, hidden away as if any Ipswich supporter who has made his way down. Through the years we have always been successful with our own. Hopefully, it is time to repeat that trick again. |  |
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