A young Eagles side made a poor start to the new 2009/10 season with a 3-0 defeat to Colchester United LFC. 

The game began at an extremely high intensity, with both sides trying hard to get the upper hand. But it was Colchester who broke the deadlock when a good ball came through to Kat Nutman, who took her chance well and netted the ball past Palace keeper Sam Sharp.

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On 20 minutes the game stopped due to a severe clash of heads between Parnell and Nutman. The two Colchester players were patched up and taken to hospital. CPLFC wish them both well in their recovery.

The game re-started and Palace looked to push forward. A great cross from Sian Cheedy was met by Gina Johnson at the back post, who headed the ball down only for the U's keeper to make a great save.

Five minutes later the ball was again crossed in, this time for Abigail Ingram to head straight at the keeper from six yards out.

When the half time whistle came it was the Palace girls who were enjoying the best of the possession and were putting Colchester under sustained pressure.

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The second half started with both teams vying for possession. Palace's comeback took a knock when Sinead Redford headed in to take Colchester 2-0 up.

The Eagles kept positive and looked to push forward with the ball. Substitute Rachel Crossgell came on and looked lively and full of running on the right wing.

Palace came close when they worked another corner and, from another great delivery from skipper Sarah Walters, Crossgell had a shot cleared off the line again by the U's keeper.

The win was sealed for Colchester when Lilly Mellors tapped the ball in after Sharp had made a good first save.

Manager Quinton Naidoo spoke of his disappointment at losing the first game of the season, but pointed to his side's performance overall as reason for encouragement:

"Obviously I am extremely disappointed to lose today. I do feel however, that the score line did flatter the away team. We created more chances than them, but it was not our day.

"We had five girls who are 16 in the squad today, and a few girls who have only been back in training for two weeks, so our performances will improve.

"We need to get better soon, and we will get better. Next week's away trip against Reading is going to be a tough game and one that the girls will have to raise their performance if they are to come away with anything."

Reading Ladies play their matches at Didcot Town FC, with entry free of charge. The game is on Sunday 23rd August and kick off is at 2pm.