Crystal Palace U18

FA Youth Cup

Arsenal

Premier League

Crystal Palace

Selhurst Park

Bournemouth

Vitality Stadium

Southampton

Manchester City U18

Total shots

Shots on target

Corners

Passes completed

Free kicks

Offsides

### Summary

- Jemide and Derry in starting XI in place of Somade and Casey

- 4: Derry’s free-kick on the edge of the box is just over the bar

- 8: Benamar’s effort is deflected out

- 10: Derry spins his marker and has a go from the byline, but it’s saved

- 11: Heskey forces Hill into a save down the other end

- 21: Derry has a speculative effort from the half-way line that the ‘keeper stops

- 31: Hill makes two good stops to deny McAidoo in quick succession

- 43: City’s Mukasa’s side footed effort is easily dealt collected by Hill

- **HT: City 0-0 Palace**

- 46: Henry’s chance is smothered early on by Hudson

- 49: Hill makes a flying stop to deny Mukasa

- 53: Heskey’s effort from distance is easily dealt with by Hill

- 61: Palace work it well from a corner, but can't capitalise

- 69: Derry sees a shot blocked, City go down the other end and Warhurst’s effort is saved by Hill

- 82 - GOAL: Batty puts City ahead

- **FT: City 1-0 Palace**

FA Youth Cup Highlights: Manchester City 1-0 Crystal Palace

After recording a [convincing 2-0 win away at rivals Brighton & Hove Albion](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/brighton-and-hove-albion-crystal-palace-under-18-premier-league-south-2425/), Crystal Palace Under-18s began their FA Youth Cup campaign with a tough trip to the reigning champions Manchester City.

Rob Quinn made two changes to the side which faced Brighton, with Mofe Jemide coming into the defence and Jesse Derry in attack. Sean Somade and Benji Casey dropped to the bench.

Palace got off to a fantastic start, pressing from the front and putting the holders under a lot of pressure. Captain Seb Williams was brought down by Femi Fapetu on the edge of the box two minutes in and Derry stepped up for a 20-yard free-kick.

His effort was just over the bar, leaving City ‘keeper Max Hudson stranded. Two more chances followed in the opening 10 minutes, Dean Benamar saw a shot deflected out following a well-worked move, while Derry’s effort from a narrow angle was spurred away.

City went straight down the other end after Derry’s effort, where Reigan Heskey tested Marcus Hill in the Palace goal for the first time. 

Chances were spread out for either side as the half went on. Derry’s speculative effort from the halfway line was collected by Hudson, while Ryan McAidoo forced Hill into back-to-back saves from two quickfire chances.

The rain intensified as the half went on. Divine Mukasa mustered the final attempt of the half with a tame side footed effort that was easily dealt with by Hill.

Palace started the second-half much like how they started the first: on the front foot. Benemar won the ball high up the pitch within seconds of the restart and it broke to Henry, however Hudson reacted quickly to smother any attempt on goal.

Hill was called into action to make a flying save to deny a long-range effort from Mukasa, while also reacting well to save Heskey’s attempt.

With 20 minutes remaining, Derry saw a shot blocked after a good ball in from Danaher, straight down the other end Hill managed to make a strong save to deny Matthew Warhurst’s effort on a breakaway.

There were just over eight minutes remaining when Palace’s hearts were broken. Second-half substitute Dan Batty managed to work some space inside the box and pick out the bottom left corner, past an outstretched hand from Hill.

The young Eagles pushed for an equaliser in the time that remained, but it wasn’t to be. Their FA Youth Cup journey ended at the first hurdle at the hands of the holders.

A valiant effort nonetheless, though the side will now focus their attention on finishing as high up the U18 Premier League South as possible.

**City:** Hudson, Henderson-Hall (Headly, 72), Noble, Mfuni, Braithwaite, Fapetu, McAidoo (Fletcher, 87), Gorman (Batty, 67), Warhurst, Mukasa, R. Heskey. 

Subs not used: Grigg (GK), T. Samba, Miles, Courtman.

**Palace:** Hill (GK), King, Benamar, Walker-Smith, Jemide, Danaher (Casey, 83), Whyte, Adams-Collman, Henry (Drakes-Thomas, 88), Williams, Derry.

Subs not used: Mason (GK), Okoli, Osei, Cowin, Somade.

Crystal Palace Under-18s fell in the third round of the FA Youth Cup, after a strong performance in the pouring rain at the JOIE stadium. 

Report & Highlights: Valiant Palace knocked out of FA Youth Cup by holders City

Manchester City U18 v Crystal Palace U18 (2024-12-06)

Crystal Palace Under-18s were drawn against the reigning FA Youth Cup Champions in the third round back in November and will play out the clash this evening.

The young Eagles previously made it to the fifth round last season and will look to go even further this time around. The match is available to watch LIVE on Palace TV+ - [click HERE for more information](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/under-18s/how-to-watch-manchester-city-crystal-palace-fa-youth-cup/).

*Please note that this evening's match is only accessible to viewers in the UK, due to FA broadcasting rules.*

Looking back on the recent wins against Arsenal and fierce rivals Brighton, Rob Quinn was in good spirits: “I was really pleased with the performance levels of everyone involved in both games.

“It was clear for us, we needed to try and put out a couple of improved performances and turn them into wins.

“I’m pleased, really pleased, that we did turn those performances into wins - especially in the one against Brighton, but going back to the Arsenal game, it was a good performance in tough conditions, on the day.

U18 Match Highlights: Brighton & Hove Albion 0-2 Crystal Palace

“We scored got a great goal through Jesse \[Derry\], but everyone, everyone who's involved in the game, every player put in a really good shift.

“I think we've got a deserved win on the day. Obviously, Zack \[Henry\] got his first goal as well in that game, which is really pleasing for him after being out for it for a long time last season. 

“We carried on that mentality and togetherness into the fixture against Brighton. We’ve been speaking a lot about that, improving a lot and getting the basics right and I think we've got another deserved victory that day.”

Back-to-back wins amidst a run of five games unbeaten have set Quinn’s side up well ahead of the clash against Man City, who have been in strong form throughout the season.

U18 Premier League Cup Highlights: Arsenal 0-2 Crystal Palace

“We spoke about trying to build brick by brick. Taking things one game at a time and the group have worked hard while we've changed a few things. It’s more about trying to change our mentality and have that togetherness and belief amongst each other.

“We've been unbeaten for five games, but I believe we could have got a couple more points in the other games as well. So, the mood's been lifted, obviously getting positive results helps that and then it puts us in a good place going into the game against Manchester City.

“I think mentally it gives everyone that little little boost \[the good run of form\]. The last two weeks, the mood's been lifted. There's been some really good focus in training amongst the group. Certain individuals have really seemed to have turned the corner in the last month. 

“I’ve seen how they've applied themselves and this showed in their performances, as well on the pitch. There's no magic formula. You can't turn it on and off and what they do day to day is now showing in the games and we've got a great opportunity and challenge on Friday.”

This is the first time Palace and City have met at U18s level in over a decade, as the two sides are separated geographically in the U18 Premier League. Palace have previously won the FA Youth Cup twice, while City have won it four times.

“It’s a cup game, you get different challenges, different opposition, different styles. We know every player looks forward to the Youth Cup, and us as staff as well.” Quinn explained. 

“We look to play against different oppositions and challenge ourselves as well. But for the boys, I think it's a great opportunity and a great challenge to go up there and show what we were about as well.

“Of course, that's our aim, every year: to go as far as we can. Last year we had a good run, we had some really good experiences for the boys.

“When I look back we went to Plymouth, which I think was the toughest game of the season I think for the group and for ourselves. I think it was a really really tough game. Then we had a positive performance against Hull, really good memories of that. 

FA Youth Cup Highlights: Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Crystal Palace

“I think injuries just held us back last year. I honestly believe that. I think we would have gone further with even just one or two more players fit, but yeah, this year like I said, We're in a good place now to go and have a good go at it.”

The young Eagles have scored a whopping 26 goals in 13 games this season, averaging two a game, with 13 different goalscorers.

“That helps \[having so many different goalscorers this season\], goals are hard to come by, so the more people that can contribute helps us. 

“Obviously, last year it was Zach \[Marsh\] who got the majority of the goals along with Jesse, but this year it’s crucial \[to have so many contributors\], especially for us for the rest of this season and going into this game. We don't really mind who scores for us this weekend, anyone will do!

“It’s about how they can all contribute, even if it's the people, it's the people who regain the ball, the people who do ‘the ugly work,’ so to speak, and we value them as highly as the ones who put it in the net.”

Throughout the Academy the sides tend to play in a way that matches the first-team, whether that’s in terms of formation, or in bedding new players in and providing competition for the 11 places in the squad.

“We're similar \[to the first-team\], not exactly the same. We've got slightly different tweaks, in terms of in possession/out possession. I think yeah every manager and coach will say the same: you have to try and find the right blend.

“We have to find what works for our group, it's taken us a bit longer this year trying to find what works for every player and play to everyone's strengths. 

“We want to get the best out of every player at the moment and it’s helped us. Will we stick with that for the rest of the year? I don't know, but at the moment the lads have been focused and listening and delivering what we've asked of them.

“Like I said before, it's exciting for me as a coach, when you get young players through and now for us we’re getting the younger 15-16 year olds coming up into the squad. 

“It gives us a boost and it keeps the players on their toes, which is what we're trying to teach. They're trying to go into a worldwide league, where they're competing against people from all over the world.

“So we need to replicate competition and when they step up to the 18s, they start to feel the competition and see that it’s tough - you have to perform week in week out because we've got young players coming in, who are coming in and keeping their shirt.”

Finally, in his concluding remarks, Quinn was eager to get the backing of the Palace faithful as he takes his side to the north west.

“We'd appreciate it if there's any Manchester-based Palace fans there to come and cheer us on. I remember at Newcastle the other year we had some fans, and a lot were there the other day for the Under-21s. 

“So obviously we know Palace fans will get behind the youngsters and, if there are any up there please come along and help the boys out. Hopefully we see some red and blue scarves in the stands that’ll give them a big boost.”

*Tickets are available for this game from just £1 and it will also be LIVE on Palace TV+ - [click HERE for more information](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/under-18s/how-to-watch-manchester-city-crystal-palace-fa-youth-cup/)!*

Ahead of the young Eagles’ clash with Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup tonight (Friday, 6th December, KO: 19:00 GMT), Under-18s Head Coach Rob Quinn assessed the season so far in the build-up to the game.

Quinn reveals team mentality, setup and approach to FA Youth Cup clash

The whole game will be broadcast LIVE on Palace TV+ this evening, with pre-match content available from 18:45 GMT - [click HERE to subscribe now and choose a package that’s right for you](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/).

*Please note that this evening's match is only accessible to viewers in the UK, due to FA broadcasting rules.*

Rob Quinn and his side will be looking to better the previous run from last season’s tournament where they made it to the fifth round proper - Palace’s best run in the tournament in over a decade.

The FA Youth Cup itself is the most prestigious youth tournament in world football and closely matches the senior competition, with teams up and down the country and the footballing pyramid competing for the chance of silverware.

Tickets are also available for this match from just £1 - [click HERE to buy now](https://tickets.mancity.com/en-GB/categories/EDS%20Tickets).

Subscribe to Palace TV+

A Palace TV+ subscription will give you access to this match LIVE, as well as select match broadcasts of other Academy fixtures, as well as live audio commentary of all first-team games, and more.

Plus, outside of matchday you can enjoy exclusive Palace TV features, including every minute of When Eagles Dare! Subscriptions are available wherever you are in the world, in a range of packages.

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Don’t miss out on any of the action, [click HERE to subscribe to Palace TV+ now](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)!

Crystal Palace Under-18s travel to face Manchester City Under-18s at the JOIE Stadium TONIGHT (Friday, 6th December, 19:00 GMT) and here’s how you can watch every minute of the action LIVE on Palace TV+.

How to watch Palace in FA Youth Cup action TONIGHT

The young Eagles will travel to Manchester on **Friday, 6th December (kick-off: 19:00 GMT)**, as they begin their 2024/25 FA Youth Cup campaign away at Joie Stadium.

Tickets are available from just £1 - [click HERE to buy yours now](https://tickets.mancity.com/en-GB/categories/EDS%20Tickets)!

If you can't make it to Manchester, the game will also be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ - [click HERE to subscribe now](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/supporters/palace-tv-plus/)!

Last season, Rob Quinn's side reached the fifth round after impressive wins on the road against Plymouth Argyle (2-1) and Hull City (5-0), before coming unstuck against Chelsea at Selhurst Park.

City, meanwhile, went all the way, defeating Leeds United 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium back in May.

Since its inception in the 1952/53 season, the FA Youth Cup has consistently been held in high regard by youth teams nationwide, maintaining this position despite significant changes in youth football over the past 70 years.

The structure closely resembles that of the FA Cup, the world’s oldest domestic cup competition, providing non-league clubs with a chance to enter their youth teams in the qualifying stages.

Palace have won the tournament back-to-back in 1977 and 1978, with the likes of Vince Hilaire, Kenny Sansom and Terry Fenwick all involved. These players formed the base of what went on to be known as the ‘Team of the Eighties,’ and are part of [Palace’s strongest ever FA Youth Cup XI](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/academy/palaces-strongest-fa-youth-cup-xi-over-time/).

Crystal Palace Under-18s have been drawn against current holders Manchester City in the third round of the FA Youth Cup.

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