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Showing posts with the label James Lees

Crystal Palace's Conference League hopes dented in France

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Strasbourg 2 - 1 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace’s impressive run came to an end as they slipped to defeat against Strasbourg in the Conference League. Author | James Lees Stadium | Stade de la Meinau Tyrick Mitchell broke the deadlock after 35 minutes with a crisp finish across goal, latching on to a clever pass from Jean Philippe Mateta. Palace, unbeaten in five, should have added a second on the stroke of half time but Ismaila Sarr struck the post from distance after Strasbourg keeper Mike Penders had surrendered possession, leaving his goal unguarded. The French side were level eight minutes into the second half when Emanuel Emegha, who is set to join Chelsea next summer, steered in a low ball from Diego Moreira. Penders was soon exposed again, caught out of position as Adam Wharton clipped the crossbar from range. The goalkeeper redeemed himself moments later with a sharp stop to deny Yeremy Pino at close quarters, yet Palace’s wastefulness proved costly. Julio Enciso’s free...

Palace start next stage of European adventure with a win

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Dynamo Kyiv 0 - 2 Crystal Palace  Goals from Daniel Munoz and Eddie Nketiah gave Crystal Palace their first ever away win in European competition. Author | James Lees Stadium | Motor Lublin Arena Playing football the Glasner way. Our European journey begins with three points ❤️đź’™ pic.twitter.com/tqvWlaqOjF — Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) October 2, 2025 Daniel Muñoz set Palace on their way with a looping header from Yeremy Pino’s back-post cross, marking a historic first goal in the group stage of European competition for the club. Eddie Nketiah, introduced from the bench, added a second just before the hour. The forward finished sharply from close range after a fine piece of skill and precise delivery by Pino on the left. The strike sparked jubilation among the 3,500 travelling Palace supporters and not even the late dismissal of Borna Sosa, who picked up two yellow cards in quick succession, could dampen the celebrations. Towards the end of the match, nineteen-year-old ...

Palace qualify for league phase of Conference League

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Fredrikstad 0 - 0 Crystal Palace (Palace won 1-0 on aggregate) Crystal Palace secured their place in the league phase of the Conference League despite a laboured performance in the second leg of their play-off tie against Fredrikstad. Author | James Lees Stadium | Nye Fredrikstad Stadion Jean-Philippe Mateta’s strike in the first leg at Selhurst Park ultimately settled the contest on aggregate, though Palace offered little in Norway. The French forward had the clearest chance to add to his tally in stoppage time, breaking clear only to be denied by the outstretched leg of goalkeeper Martin Borsheim. A closer look at what happened Fredrikstad once again defended diligently, but unlike in south London they looked to carry more threat. Their attacking intent, however, rarely troubled Dean Henderson. Stiane Molde spurned the home side’s best opportunity when he failed to turn into an almost empty net after Henderson misjudged a ball in the six-yard box, while substitute Henrik Skogvol...

Crystal Palace start their European adventure with a win

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Crystal Palace 1 -  0 Fredrikstad Jean-Philippe Mateta delivered Crystal Palace’s first goal in European competition as they opened their Conference League campaign with a win over Fredrikstad. Author | James Lees Stadium | Selhurst Park The French forward settled a contest that mixed dominance with frustration for Palace, heading inside the far post after Will Hughes ’s deflected strike dropped kindly in the area. Eberechi Eze, the match-winner in last season’s FA Cup final , was absent with his move to Arsenal expected to be completed in the coming days. Without him, Palace controlled possession but often found themselves thwarted by Fredrikstad ’s deep defensive line, which forced them into long-range efforts and attacks from the flanks. Palace still carved out chances to extend their lead, with Mateta striking the post in the first half and Daniel Muñoz heading against the woodwork after the break. The Norwegian visitors offered fleeting reminders of their counter-at...

Can Wrexham make history again?

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For the first time in 43 years, Wrexham will play in the Championship They are preparing for life in the second tier of English football for the first time since 1982.  Author | James Lees Wrexham fans just before promotion was confirmed This is is a moment few could have imagined three years ago, when the club were still in the National League and promotion seemed like a distant dream. Since the arrival of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney , expectations at the Racecourse Ground have been completely transformed. The club's rise has been remarkable. After winning the National League with a record 111 points in 2022–23,  Wrexham went on to finish second in both League Two and League One in successive seasons. No club in the history of English football has ever achieved three consecutive promotions . It is a rare achievement that may not be repeated for some time. The Championship , however, presents a much tougher challenge. The step up in quality and financial strength is s...

National League: Wrexham promoted back to Football League

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Wrexham 3 - 1 Boreham Wood Paul Mullin was Wrexham's as they sealed the National League title and a return to the Football League in front of 10,000 jubilant fans. Author James Lees Their 3-1 win over Boreham Wood sparked a mass pitch invasion, with the club's owners - Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney - tearfully hugging in the stands. Glorious scenes after the match Manager Phil Parkinson led the chanting of 'We Are Going Up' from the stands. Fans went onto the pitch with red flares at the final whistle and the rain-sodden trophy presentation had to be delayed as fans were requested to leave the field. Check out the video below showing some of those incredible scenes. One fan commented: "What an incredible moment and what an incredible journey the team has taken us all on. Thank you, Liam, for transporting me from the tip of Africa into the Racecourse grounds. Up the Reds. Up the Town. EFL, here we come!" A Hollywood story. Since relegation from League Tw...