So many fans turned up at Selhurst Park this afternoon, they had to put the kick-off back by 15 minutes.
More than 21,000 passed through the turnstiles, which is outstandingly good news for Palace’s new owners, who saw their side lose their latest pre-season fixture just 1-0 to Chelsea, the Premier League champions whose line-up included first team regulars such as Petr Cech, Alex and Michael Essien.
Five Year Plan fanzine’s immediate online report says:
“It was a game many of us weren’t sure would ever happen; when Palace announced Chelsea were visiting for a pre-season friendly back in May, it was the last thing on our minds. But here we are…
“There were a few unfamiliar faces in the Palace line-up including Slovenian left-back Alexander Radosavlijevic, former Catania midfielder Davide Baiocco, complete with rolled down socks, and Nigerian Anthony Ouasafane.
“After half-time Essien put the visitors ahead with his last touch of the game, slotting in left-footed past Speroni.
“A battling, and at some neat, display from Palace who will be buoyed by their efforts in front of a sell-out Selhurst crowd.”
