Crystal Palace Under-18s have been flying high at the top of the Premier League South this season, and they can make it five wins in a row with victory over Norwich City on Saturday, 20th February.
Fulham enjoyed the game’s first chance early on with winger Ollie O’Neill having a shot at the Palace goal which Joe Whitworth saved well. They may have been called into defensive action ahead of the Cottagers, but five minutes in the Eagles scored with their first meaningful attack.
This flying start began after Victor Akinwale scored from close range following a fine ball across the edge of the six-yard box by Kevin Gonzalez.
The goal spurred Palace on for more, pressing up the right flank with some good link-up play between Dylan Thisleton and Jesuran Rak-Sakayi. However Fulham had a chance to pull back into the game after a misplaced clearance from Whitworth fell to O’Neill, though the winger couldn’t hit the target.
30 January 2021
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Crystal Palace Under-18s returned to top spot in the Under-18 Premier League South with an entertaining five-goal victory in spitting rain at Copers Cope academy ground on Saturday morning.
Summary:
Arsenal’s James Sweet equalises from a clever cut-back. (15)
Palace regain the lead through a left-footed David Omilabu shot. (32)
The visitors restore parity again with a Taylor-Hart half-volley. (42)
HT: Crystal Palace U18s 2-2 Arsenal
Rak-Sakyi assists Omilabu again in what proves the eventual winner. (77)
The Eagles withstand late pressure to return to the top of the table.
19 December 2020
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Crystal Palace Under-18s came from behind to beat Brighton and Hove Albion in a feisty encounter at Copers Cope academy ground on Saturday morning.
In summary:
Palace equalise instantly through Kevin Gonzalez (25)
Half-time: Crystal Palace U18s 1-1 Brighton
Eagles captain Aiden Steele puts the hosts in front (53)
Paddy McCarthy’s side secured the victory to overtake Brighton
Full-time: Crystal Palace U18s 2-1 Brighton
Crystal Palace started the game level on points with fourth-placed Brighton, albeit with a game in hand.
The visitors were in the better form, unbeaten since October 24 while Palace had lost their last three, but both sides started strongly, snapping into tackles and playing at a high tempo.
Fleetwood Town 2-1 Crystal Palace Under-18s 11 December 2020
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Crystal Palace Under-18s fell from the FA Youth Cup on Friday night as a solid Fleetwood Town side overcame the Eagles 2-1.
Summary
The Eagles kick-off their first FA Youth Cup tie with a solid starting lineup
Fleetwood ‘keeper Connor Eastham leaves the pitch after several minutes receiving treatment having collided with David Omilabu
Smith opens the scoring after a quiet half with a smart shot inside the box
Half-time: Fleetwood Town 1-0 Crystal Palace Under-18s
Smith adds a powerful second for the hosts
Each side enjoy more chances than in the first-half, with Victor Akinwale troubling the home defence