Palace Casuals

[talisman]

Player news - Casuals signed a new defender today from Thierry FC:



Champions League Group H Round 2, away at Raikko5 FC in Terengganu, Malaysia. Level 23, AQ -1.1
After an evenly-matched first half, Raikko5 gained an advantage after the break and along with it, two goals. Casuals attempts to get back into the game were repulsed until the very last minute, when Johan Shaqiri scored a fine solo goal. Two defeats now in the Champions League and Casuals will need to up their game in the next few matches in order to progress.



League Round 3, home vs Juventus FC of Brunico, Italy. Level 23, AQ -0.5
New signing David Zhelev was drafted into the squad for this game in place of Anurak Arma, but more substantial changes were made to counteract the heavy attacking formation of the visitors, which meant a tryout for the Narrow Diamond, the 'Flying Wingers' Omar Hansen and Johan Shaqiri making way for attacking midfielder Valentin Ndjengue and striker Catalin Neagu, making his 100th appearance in a Casuals shirt. Neagu had clearly benefitted from a few games' rest, as the first half was the Neagu and Pigott show. Twice in the first 28 minutes Neagu made runs through the Juventus defence, and his final pass found Kevin Pigott both times, and both opportunities were not spurned. With the home side 2-0 up at the break, Juventus decided a change of formation and personnel was warranted, and these bore fruit early in the second half when Harboe scored to reduce the arrears. The Palace Management decided to match those changes and the 'Flying Wingers' were sent on in place of Ndjengue and striker Reda Mourad in a switch to 3-5-2V. The change brought results immediately, as Shaqiri's first corner hung invitingly for Neagu the head into the net. Juventus then decided to revert to a previous formation and Casuals were preparing to make a corresponding change when Michael Muscroft was injured and Suhail Kamal was sent on to replace him instead and the existing players shuffled to counteract the Juventus formation. With no further scoring the match ended 3-1 and Neagu picked up the MoM award as well as the Club's present for his 100th match.



21 Catalin Neagu - App: 100, Goals: 49, Assists: 26