Crystal Palace Under-18s produced one of their most impressive performances of the season this week – find out all the news from Palace’s young sides in this week’s Academy round-up.
As Palace Under-18s welcomed Arsenal to the Academy ground last weekend, there was real uncertainty as to which side would come out on top. The Eagles have impressed all season but the visitors were in decent form upon arrival in south London.
However after an equal first 45 minutes, Rob Quinn’s side were in clinical mood in the second-half, and when Victor Akinwale continued his prolific run by nodding home the floodgates were opened.
Ademola Ola-Adebomi and Fionn Mooney added a brace apiece – with the latter scoring a stunning free-kick in the process – to complete the rout, and blow away their north London rivals 5-0.
Watch the highlights of the game above, or by clicking here
The Under-23s had a huge clash of their own to contend with, facing Manchester United in the Premier League 2. The two sides were level on points coming into the game, separated only by goal difference as the season reaches its business end.
Palace were victorious in the reverse fixture in November, and started in similarly impressive fashion, two excellently taken goals from Scott Banks and John Kymani-Gordon giving them a healthy lead.
However Man Utd hit back before half-time, and in blustery south London conditions they equalised two minutes into stoppage time. This was harsh on Paddy McCarthy’s side who had dominated for much of the afternoon, but remains a valuable point in their first season at the top level.
It was also a significant moment for Kaden Rodney, who made his first appearance at Under-23s level after impressing with the Under-18s.
The 17-year-old, who is conventionally a central midfielder and models his game on Paul Pogba, has been deputising at right-back for the Academy sides. He signed a professional deal last year.
After making his debut against Hartlepool United in the FA Cup, Tayo Adaramola chalked up another personal milestone as he was included in the matchday squad to face Chelsea in the Premier League.
The young full-back was among the substitutes as the European champions visited Selhurst Park, and watched on as Palace put on a strong display only to suffer a late sucker-punch in the final minute of normal time.
Despite his experience with the first-team, he was still fit to start against Manchester United for the Under-23s the following afternoon in what became a packed weekend of action.
Adler Nascimento has been settling in to life at a Category 1 Academy after arriving from Peterborough, having recently signed professional terms.
“It’s a privilege,” he told the Palace matchday programme pre-Chelsea. “Not every player can say they’ve been at a facility like this. It’s a dream.
“I played Under-18s at a young age – at 15. That was a challenge in itself, and now I’m doing it at a Category 1 club.”
Nascimento has sealed a regular spot in Quinn’s starting XI, and his manager is impressed by his progress.
“Adler is a really talented young attacker with the ability to score goals himself or create them for his teammates,” he said. “He has adapted well to the challenges of Category 1 football, and we’re excited for him to continue his development at the club.”
The must-watch match-ups show no sign of slowing for the Under-23s side, who follow their four-goal thriller with Man Utd by hosting rivals Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday, 28th February (13:00 GMT).
Brighton sit five points behind the Eagles this season, and Palace will be keen to increase that gap at the Academy ground – you can see how they get on with the match broadcast LIVE on Palace TV+.
The Under-18s find themselves on the road, heading to East Anglia to face Norwich City as they look to keep the pressure on Southampton at the top of the league – the young Eagles are just three points behind as things stand.