A frustrating afternoon for the Young Eagles, who fall to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Blackburn. Benji Casey saw a penalty bounce off both posts before Seb Williams had a second spot-kick saved, while Taha Majni was shown a straight red in the second half. The result ends our unbeaten start to the season.

Theer will be nine minutes added on - come on you Palace!!!

Palace continue to push for a late leveller, with a deflected Drakes-Thomas cross teeing up Gibbard from close range, but his first-time effort is blocked. Blackburn are holding firm, while 15-year-old Nat Kalembo is introduced for the closing stages.

Gibbard continues to cause problems and wins a free-kick on the left, which is rolled into King just a few yards out. His first-time effort lacks power, though, and is gathered comfortably.

Palace continue to threaten through Gibbard and Nascimento, but Taylor keeps them out. Then the game swings Blackburn’s way as Majni sees red, before Higgins reacts quickest from a corner to give the visitors the lead.

Drakes-Thomas drives forward before finding Gibbard, who once again stings the palms of a diving Taylor.

Palace pick up where they left off, with Gibbard denied by a crucial clip of the heels from Williams after a pull-back finds him six yards out. Moments later, Gibbard forces Taylor into a sharp save from range, before Blackburn threaten at the other end. Lee then stands tall to deny Segeant one-on-one as the end-to-end action continues.

How is this level?! Two missed penalties, several golden chances and more than a few pinball scrambles - it’s somehow all square at the break!

In and amongst the chaos, Casey comes agonisingly close from the spot for the U21s, with his penalty bouncing off both posts before staying out.

Majni’s effort is hooked off the line before a pinball-like scramble sees Blackburn throw themselves in front of a series of Palace shots.

Powell’s side are enjoying the territory and possession, probing Blackburn relentlessly for an opening – but the breakthrough remains elusive.

The long throw is headed back across for Majni, who strikes just wide on the half-volley!

A bright start from the Young Eagles, who see their appeals waved away after Danaher goes down inside the box.

King clips the free-kick over the Blackburn backline, but Casey can’t quite latch onto it in the right channel...

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 kick-off is edging closer...

George King returns from injury to captain the U21s, with Benji Casey coming in for the in-form Adler Nascimento up front. Joél Drakes-Thomas also returns from injury and is named on the bench.

Darren Powell’s U21s are still unbeaten in 2026/27, drawing 0-0 at Arsenal before beating Aston Villa 2-0. They then saw off PSG 2-1 in the Premier League International Cup before coming from behind to beat Swindon Town 2-1 in the EFL Trophy.

Here we go! Both sides emerge from the tunnel and line up for the final handshakes. One last look around Sutton United’s Borough Sports 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 nearly ready for kick-off...

Welcome to Sutton United’s Borough Sports Ground, where Palace’s U21s take on Blackburn Rovers in their first Premier League 2 home fixture of 2026/27. The Young Eagles are unbeaten so far this season. Can Darren Powell’s side make it five today? Come on, Palace!