A battling comeback win for the Young Eagles! Hackford had put Swindon ahead, but Kporha levelled in first-half stoppage time with a brilliant finish. Seb Williams then completed the turnaround with a superb 25-yard strike. Palace defended resolutely to see out the victory and make it four games unbeaten - C'MON YOU Eaglessssss

Under-16 Nat Kalembo makes his competitive U21s debut before Palace go close to a second. Benamar’s low ball across goal finds Sealey, who finishes but is flagged offside, before Benamar is sent through moments later and grazes the far post from a tight angle so so close!

Despite Lee not being seriously tested, the momentum swings towards the hosts as they probe for an equaliser. Powell’s backline remains resolute, blocking several efforts around the penalty area before Swindon make a double change midway through the half, including Freddie Hoare, their youngest-ever player to make his debut, as they look to capitalise on their momentum.

The short corner falls kindly for Seb Williams, who side-foots first-time from 25 yards, finding the corner beyond the diving Ward.

The board shows one minute of added time, and Kporha makes it count! He works his way down the right with some brilliant trickery before firing into the far corner.

The Young Eagles continue to force turnovers and carve out openings, with Dean Benamar dancing past several red shirts down the left before seeing his low drive saved by Ward.

Nascimento latches onto Sealey’s lofted ball in behind and rounds the ‘keeper, but loses his balance at the crucial moment and fires over the bar.

Unfortunate for Palace, who have been the better side, as they fall behind. Gibbard comes close moments earlier, firing a powerful effort into a defender from close range, before the Young Eagles are architects of their own downfall. Manji is dispossessed after miscontrolling, allowing Hackford to race through and finish one-on-one.

Joe Gibbard creates a shooting chance just outside the area but lashes over the bar, before Harry Lee produces an excellent one-on-one save to deny Ben Middlemas. Then Sealey almost gets in behind, with Ward racing off his line to clear only as far as Danaher, whose audacious effort nearly dips under the crossbar - frantic start!!!

Both sides are settling into the occasion in the early exchanges. Palace look to threaten with a series of lofted balls in behind for Joe Gibbard, Adler Nascimento and Amaari Sealey to chase, but neither ‘keeper is tested.

Here we go! Both sides emerge from the tunnel and line up before the final handshakes. One last look around the County Ground... then it’s time for business. Come on, Palace!

That’s the final whistle on the warm-up! The Eagles head back down the tunnel. We’re not far away now...

The two sides are out on the pitch, putting the finishing touches to their preparations. The goalkeepers are working through their drills, the outfielders are getting stretched and we’re edging ever closer to kick-off...

Every EFL Trophy fixture is available to watch live on Sky Sports+ throughout the competition. You can also follow the action live on the Official Crystal Palace App and our brand-new Match Centre, while our Academy X page will provide live commentary and updates from the County Ground.

Darren Powell makes four changes from the side that beat PSG. Dean Benamar and Caleb Kporha return from injury to start as our wing-backs, while summer signing Taha Majni makes his competitive debut for the Eagles. There’s also a first competitive start for fellow new arrival Amaari Sealey.

After scoring all five of Palace’s pre-season goals, the forward has found the net in consecutive competitive games against Aston Villa and PSG.

Palace U21s head to Swindon unbeaten in 2026/27 and full of confidence after a statement 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in last week’s Premier League International Cup opener.

A very warm welcome to the Nigel Eady County Ground as Palace U21s begin their 2026/27 EFL Trophy campaign against League Two side Swindon Town! We’ll bring you all the build-up and live updates throughout the evening. Come on you Eagles!