August 8 2005

Selhurst Park

The scene was supposedly set for a storming start to CPFC's Premiership return campaign. But things, as ever, went awry. Luton Town just hadn't read the script, reports Jamesey.

The omens looked good for our game against Luton Town (Aug 6):

*At home for the start of the season for the first time in many years.

*Strong promotion favourites with the bookies.

*Playing a team who were two divisions below us last season.

*Keeping our jewel in the crown - AJ.

*A packed house and a sunny Selhurst afternoon.

But, as ever at Selhurst, things didn't go according to plan.

We looked distinctly second best and were extremely fortunate not to go to the dressing room 0-3 rather than 0-1 at half-time.

It is not my intention to talk us into a depression after only one game but Luton certainly looked sharper, hungrier and better drilled than we did.

With two tough away games to come in the week ahead, it is frightening to think what might happen if we turn in two performances like today.

There were, of course, redeeming factors such as the refereeing of Mr P Dowd. Don't the rules say, Mr Dowd, that if a player is fouled, but his side has launched a threatening attack, you don't stop the game and pull play back again? You did that to us at least twice in my recollection.

And I was at a loss to understand why Darren Ward, our very expensive buy, spent the game warming up along the touchline.

Ward looked a class act in the West Ham friendly and I desperately hope he continues to follow in the fine tradition of excellent players we have snitched from Millwall. Derek Possee, Chris Armstrong and Andy Roberts are three other shining examples.

Even the Chinese chippie in Whitehorse Lane had a mega-queue by 1.30pm although the Turkish Salmonella kebab joint almost next door has metamorphosed into a very decent Chinese place... delicious sweet and sour chicken with sticky rice for £2.50. Thoroughly recommended.

Let's hope the fare in the nearby stadium improves as the season progresses. After all, one game does not a season make.

Email Jamesey with any of your comments to Jevans3704@aol.com

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