Late pain for Palace U18s as Chelsea take three points despite spirited fight-back

Summary

• Rob Quinn is able to name two newly called-up England Under-18s: Victor Akinwale and Kaden Rodney

• Chelsea start a strong half well, scoring within seven minutes through Leo Castledine

• Palace react to conceding and tighten up for the next 20 minutes

• Chelsea add a second when Tudor Mendel-Idowu strikes from the edge of the box

• After a solid attacking spell, Palace pull one back when Ademola Ola-Adebomi rounds the ‘keeper and fires into an empty net

• In extra time of the first-half, Chelsea make it three through Edwin Andersson

• Half-time: Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea

• Palace begin to fight-back, scoring after Adebomi cleverly feeds Akinwale in the centre of the box

• Akinwale adds his second after winning a penalty and converting it smartly

• Palace appear to have fought-back, but Chelsea nick it at the death through substitute Malik Mothersille

• Full-time: Crystal Palace 3-4 Chelsea

Crystal Palace Under-18s kicked-off against Chelsea knowing they were in for a challenge, with the Blues sitting top of the league as one of the strongest academies in England.

But the hosts began brightly and could have secured an early lead when Maliq Cadogan crossed from the right just inches in front of Victor Akinwale’s out-stretched boot.

Chelsea’s strength also showed early in the game, however they were more fortunate on the offensive. Edwin Andersson – who would cause problems on the right-wing all half – crossed to Leo Castledine, who struck in low and hard from the centre of the box.

After a relatively tough 10 minutes in which Palace were urged to focus by both goalkeeper Owen Goodman and the bench, the south Londoners tightened up and managed to keep out a spell of Chelsea pressure.

They created chances of their own through a looping Ademola Ola-Adebomi header before Akinwale was flagged offside, but Chelsea remained on the front foot. Andersson threatened regularly along the right flank and the visitors found the net through Tudor Mendel-Idowu, though his goal was ruled out for a foul.

It didn’t take long for the visitors to score a legitimate second; this time Mendel-Idowu ensured it counted when he rifled in from the edge of the box shortly after the half-hour mark.

But Palace were not to be dismayed, and opened their account when Ola-Adebomi jinked through defence, held possession for what seemed too long, worked his way past the ‘keeper and finally struck home into an empty net.

A cruel late Chelsea effort would catch Palace out for the first of two times in Beckenham, however, when the dangerous Andersson struck in from the near post.

Palace started a bright second-half well, with Goodman blocking Louis Flower’s close-range shot strongly.

At the other end of the pitch, the hosts’ attacking ability began to shine through, with some cute passes attempted and Akinwale showing force and strength to trouble the Blues’ backline.

The south Londoners’ newfound dominance paid heed when Mooney picked out Ola-Adebomi on the right of the box and the midfielder cleverly and selflessly squared to Akinwale, who struck home with ease.

Akinwale was back on the scoresheet minutes later as he again used his power to drive through on goal and ended up fouled by a trip from ‘keeper Prince Adegoke.

The day after earning his first England Under-18 call-up, Akinwale was brimming with confidence when he stepped up from 12 yards, and duly struck home hard to the right.

That goal seemed to have sealed Palace’s comeback as the Eagles sat level after 70 minutes, and Chelsea did not pose much of a threat going forwards.

After a quiet spell with Palace protecting a well earned equilibrium and Chelsea perhaps hoping to end their hosts’ dominance, the visiting Blues began to apply pressure with two shots from Charlie Webster.

The 90th-minute came with both sides level and when Goodman made a fast stop low to his right, it appeared that Palace had pulled off a commendable point with the league leaders.

But, in harsh fashion, Chelsea were awarded a free-kick in the 95th-minute and, after the ball bounced around the box, Malik Mothersille shot into the top-left corner to steal three points at the death.

Palace: Goodman, Barton, Ozoh, Sheridan, Rodney, Bartley (Vigor 63), Raymond, Ola-Adebomi (Nascimento 88), Mooeny, Cadogan, Akinwale (Bell 90+4).

Subs not used: Izquierdo, Dixon.

Chelsea: Adegoke, Hall (Rak-Sakyi 79), Silcott-Duberry (Badley-Morgan 64), Gee, Tobin, Castleoine, Webster, Olise, Mendel-Idowu, Flower (Mothersille 64), Andersson.

Subs not used: Tlemcani, Abu.