July 25 2005

Eintracht Frankfurt v Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace assistant manager Neil McDonald was happy with the draw against Eintracht Frankfurt after Wednesday's defeat against Czech side FK Teplice.

He said: "We were a lot more compact, played better football and moved the ball about quicker. It was nice to take a lead for a change.

"We've gone from losing the first game to drawing the second and everybody is in a confident mood.

"All in all we're very happy with the two games. We gave everyone 45 minutes and a few played 60 minutes, so it's been a successful trip really.

"Fitz Hall played very well considering that was his first 45 minutes. He looked assured and confident on the ball and is a good defender.

"Danny Granville and Gary Borrowdale trained hard but had niggles, so it was a precaution to leave them out. It's better to be safe than sorry. Aaron Fray stepped in at left-back and has had a brilliant experience coming out with the first team and that's only going to help him.

"We are still looking to improve the squad, like everyone else, and if that happens before the start of the season then that'd be fantastic."