- Crystal Palace Under-18s knocked out in dramatic style
- Historic FA Youth Cup campaign
- Chance for redemption in Premier League Cup
Crystal Palace’s Under-18s made it to the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup for the first time in almost 30 years. A trip to Old Trafford was their reward, facing Manchester United’s Under-18s, who have won the trophy a staggering record 11 times.
Darren Fletcher named an extremely strong side, with phenomenon JJ Gabriel and Danish wonder-kid Chido Obi-Martin both starting.
Palace’s under-18s have had a historic season in both the league and cups. Manager Javier Alonso has been a superb replacement for Rob Quinn.
The young Eagles qualified for the semi-finals after a dramatic win at Villa Park, against the five-time winners. Coming from behind to win 3-2, Alonso’s side set up a mouth-watering tie in Manchester.
Heartbreaking Defeat
A closely contested first half saw little chances in a tie which was finely poised throughout.
Luca Benetton made strong saves to maintain a clean sheet going into the halftime break, as Palace were unable to convert and take the lead.
The chances continued to come for United, who eventually took the lead through JJ Gabriel, but their lead lasted just three minutes. United ‘keeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes spilt a cross and Raihaan Anderson reacted first to stab home and equalise.
Palace came closest to winning the tie in 90 minutes, with efforts from Benji Casey and Dean Benamar both coming close, before the final whistle blew and extra tim awaited.
With the game opening up, chances were coming for both sides, and fatigue was having a clear impact. Loose touches inside the box and misplaced passes left both sides searching for a winner.
As the game approached the 115th minute, it looked certain that penalties would decide who reached the final. With 16 minutes on the clock, a sweeping forward pass evaded the Palace defence, and Chido Obi-Martin rounded Benetton to win the tie for United.
The Red Devils progressed to the final, where they will face Manchester City.
Chance for Revenge
Palace will have a chance to right the wrongs of last night’s cup tie, as they face United once again, this time in a cup final. Palace will play hosts to United at Selhurst Park, as they face off for victory in the Under-18 Premier League Cup Final.
The final is taking place next week, on Wednesday night, and tickets are available now.
Alonso’s side reached the final of this tournament after beating Peterborough United 3-1 in the quarter-finals, and then Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final, winning 1-0 in a tight affair.
A big crowd is expected for the game, and Palace will be hoping they can get one back over United and emerge victorious.
