The Young Eagles pushed hard for an equaliser but couldn’t find a way through, as Villa hold on to claim all three points.

Palace started the second half as the side in the ascendancy, with a penalty appeal waved away before Greaves’ low drive was denied by the ‘keeper’s legs. Yet, on the hour, the pendulum swung, with Villa launching wave after wave of attacks. A triple change, including Daniel Adediran – who scored a remarkable five-minute hat-trick in the Young Lions’ U18 Premier League Cup draw with Leeds United last time out – added further impetus. The Young Eagles have now settled and weathered the storm, though, and are pushing for an equaliser.

The intensity and tempo have carried straight into the second half. Palace have already had a penalty appeal waved away, before Greaves drove a low, powerful effort towards the ‘keeper at the near post.

Unfortunate given the opportunities we’ve created, particularly in the final third of the half - plenty to build on!

Moses tees up the onrushing Lee after sitting the ‘keeper down, but he curls just over from close range!

Meade has the ball in the back of the net for Villa, but he’s flagged offside. Moments later, Donte Martin’s strike takes a huge deflection, clips the bar and comes back down onto the goal line – somehow, it stays out!

Villa have the ball in the back of the net, but it is ruled out owing to a foul on Remi Shittu.

Villa have enjoyed the majority of possession in the early stages, but despite probing the Palace defence, Josh Blake’s effort straight at Lucca Benetton is all they have to show for it. Palace look more threatening on the counter, particularly when the ball finds AJ Greaves.

As with last night’s U21 fixture, you can follow all the action from Bodymoor Heath across the Palace website and app, as well as our social channels. There’s no Palace TV+ coverage today at the request of the opposition, but we’ll have live updates throughout.

The Young Eagles are boosted by the return of first-year scholar Alfie Mulvenna and forward Kayden Moses. Mulvenna comes into the back three for Nat Kalembo, with Moses replacing Seb Bonsu-Amako. U16 Nasir Campbell is also named in an U18s matchday squad for the first time.

Unlike yesterday evening, when the rain eventually gave way to a pleasant summer evening, today has been a complete washout so far. The rain is hammering down here at Bodymoor Heath – ‘keepers, keep your eyes on that ball!

We’re back at Bodymoor Heath for our second and final Academy fixture against Aston Villa this weekend. After the U21s’ 2-0 victory last night, Javier Alonso’s Under-18s will be looking to follow suit and return to winning ways after consecutive defeats to Southampton and Nottingham Forest. C’mon Palace!