The Young Eagles secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Newport County at Rodney Parade on Tuesday night, with Jasper Judd’s first-half opener cancelled out by James Crole before David Angibeaud struck a decisive late winner.
Darren Powell: I’m very proud of the boys
Darren Powell praised Crystal Palace Under-21s’ resilience and collective spirit after they made Academy history by reaching the EFL Trophy knockout stages for the first time.
That's the character you want to see from the group
—Darren Powell
It was a result that delighted Powell, particularly given the character his side showed to withstand sustained Newport pressure in the second half.
“Really good first half,” he reflected. “I thought we used the ball really well and were good in possession. Obviously, we got the goal, but in the second half we knew they were going to come at us.
“I said at half-time that they were going to put balls into the box, and it was about us using the ball properly and not playing into the middle of the pitch where they were setting traps.
“Obviously, we gave the goal away, but that's what I wanted to see – they didn't give in. They stuck through the tough times in the game, and then we got the goal from Big Dave [Angibeaud]. After that, it was backs to the wall again, and that's the character you want to see from the group.
“It's something we've been speaking about, really defending as a unit. They showed that massively today, and I'm proud of them.”
The victory carried added significance, with Palace U21s reaching the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy for the first time since entering the competition in 2021/22.
Powell had challenged his players to embrace the opportunity to make history, and was particularly pleased to see how much the achievement meant to the group.
“I said to those guys, it's about what they want to do. Do they want to be the first team to do something we've never done before? It was in our hands – we win the game and that gives us the opportunity to go through.
“You saw it at half-time, you saw it in their faces and how they were communicating with each other. They actually really, really wanted it.
“That's pleasing to see, stepping back and just seeing them verbalising what it means to them. When the momentum was with Newport and it was tough, with the balls just coming into the box, you're thinking it's only a matter of time – but they stood up to it. That's what makes you proud.
“It is development, but these games are development. It's about learning how to win a game of football. You have to defend as a man and as a team, stand up to it, and they did.”
Every game has got to mean something to you
—Darren Powell
Powell has previously spoken of his appreciation for the EFL Trophy and the unique opportunities it provides Academy players, particularly the experience of competing against senior opposition in front of supporters with something tangible at stake.
The Newport victory was the perfect example, with the Head Coach highlighting the importance of how his players responded after their heavy defeat at Plymouth earlier in the group.
“100 per cent,” he said when asked about the competition's developmental benefits. “Playing in a stadium with fans, in a game with a lot at stake – you have three opportunities at it. I love these games.
“We got beaten up at Plymouth. Now, what do we do? Do we just accept it and play this game as just another game, or are we going to make a statement and a claim for it? Do we actually want to go through? That's all I put to those guys.
“As I said to you before, you see their faces at the end of the game in the changing room. It meant a lot.
“That's got to be every game. Every game has got to mean something to you. When we play Everton on Sunday, that's got to mean a lot to you.”