35 pictures from Ipswich Town's friendly clash with Palace

The Blues ultimately lost the game 1-0, thanks to Wilfried Zaha's penalty, but that only told half the story on a special day at Portman Road.

The game saw fans return to the famous old home of the Blues for the first time since December, with the majority of those in attendance watching their first game at the stadium since March of 2020.

They saw a side packed with new signings, many of them impressing on a day when Paul Cook's side gave as good as they got against a side from two leagues above.

Steve Waller captured the action.

Fans back in the stadium for the Crystal Palace game. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Fans back in the stadium for the Crystal Palace game. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

A young Town fan looks pleased to be back at Portman Road. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Town fans back in the stadium for the game against Crystal Palace. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Rekeem Harper in action. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Town manager Paul Cook acknowledges fans calling for a wave. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Wilfried Zaha is congratulated after scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Jesse Nwabueze is fouled by Rob Street. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

ITFC coach Ian Craney. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

The players take to the pitch for the pre-season friendly with Crystal Palace. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Town manager Paul Cook applauds fans ahead of the game. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Fans back at Portman Road. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Kane Vincent-Young points the way. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

James Tompkins challenging Kane Vincent-Young. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Joe Pigott battles with Tyrick Mitchell. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Wes Burns in action against Crystal Palace. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

A Joe Pigott run is brought to a halt. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Joe Pigott about to shoot against the post. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

James Norwood about to pull the trigger on a shot that ender up wide of the target. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Matt Ward is fouled in front of referee Neil Hair. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Referee Neil Hair blows his whistle for a Town free-kick, after Matt Ward was fouled. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Jesse Nwabueze goes to ground in this battle with Reece Hannam. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Armando Dobra is outnumbered. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Ipswich Town chief executive Mark Ashton landed 19 signings for manager Paul Cook this summer. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Ipswich keeper Vaclav Hladky takes an early goal kick. (Image: StephenWaller.com)

Town manager Paul Cook yells instructions to his players. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Cameron Humphreys in action against Crystal Palace. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Jordan Ayew, with a Crystal Palace free-kick high over the Town wall. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Crystal Palace team manager Patrick Vieira looks on. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Crystal Palace team manager Patrick Vieira. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Jean-Phillipe Mateta hits the bar for palace. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Toto Nsiala rises high to win the ball. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Cameron Humphreys pictured in action against Crystal Palace. (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

Jon Nolan and Lee Evans are currently out injured (Image: ITFC)