July 20 2004

Woking's Raphael Nade takes on Aarron Fray

A young Crystal Palace XI lost 2-0 away to Woking in their first pre-season friendly.

Palace fielded trialists Elliott Onouchie from Tooting & Mitcham Utd, Mario Noto of Spurs and Whyteleafe's Bradley Pritchard.

The rest of the side was made up of former Academy players, with keeper Cedric Berthelin by far the most experienced on show.

Former Palace winger Stephen Evans nearly gave the Cards the lead midway through the first half when his cross-cum-shot hit the top of Berthelin's crossbar. He later turned a left-sided cross wide from close-range.

Onouchie should have done better when he robbed centre-half Luke Oliver on the halfway line and was through on goal but struck his shot straight at keeper Adriano Basso.

But nine minutes before the break, the hosts took the lead from the penalty spot. Aarron Fray upended former Welling winger Raphael Nade on the edge of the area and Ian Selley put away the spot-kick.

Woking went into the break two goals up as Justin Richards turned inside the Eagles penalty area and fired past Berthelin from 15 yards inside the far post on 43 minutes.

Glenn Cockeril brought on eight subs for the second half and Woking wasted two good opportunities to extend the lead. First Karl Murray blazed over the bar and Amos Foyewa drove wide of the upright.

Palace's best chance of the game was blown by Tyrone Berry shortly afterwards. Nathan Simpson put in a low cross along the six yard box, it was left by Onouchie and Berry just had to place his shot, but he missed the target. It summed up Palace's night.

Palace: Berthelin, Wilson (Conray 76), Fray, Soares, Togwell, El-Salah, Noto (Dolan 56), Pritchard (Marshall 70), Onouchie, Berry (Graban 85), Simpson.

Sub not used: Beckles.

Woking v Palace XI photos