Academy round-up: U21s pushing for top spot and cup progress

Academy

11 Jan 2023

While domestic action in the top flight has returned following the conclusion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, football for Crystal Palace’s Under-18s, Under-21s and loanees has been continuing full-steam ahead. Here’s everything you may have missed in the past month in the Academy round-up.

Pushing for top spot...

It’s been a busy festive period for Paddy McCarthy’s Under-21s. Five consecutive Premier League Cup games have resulted in them sitting in third place in Group E, with a winner-takes-all final clash against Sheffield United on Friday, 13th January to decide who makes it through to the next round. This game will take place at Dulwich Hamlet’s Champion Hill, with tickets available from as low as £2 - click HERE for more information.

The U21s also triumphed over fierce rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, in a return to Premier League 2 Division 1 action in January. They’re currently in second place, a point behind leaders Manchester City.

Elsewhere, Rob Quinn’s Under-18s side were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup by reigning champions Manchester United, in a close-fought clash at Selhurst Park. They will travel to face London rivals Fulham on Saturday, 14th January.

U21 Match Highlights: Brighton 2-4 Palace

Rak-Sakyi and Phillips star on loan

U21s midfielder Killian Phillips went out on loan to Shrewsbury Town on January 1st and managed to make an instant impression on his debut just six days later. The Irishman started for Salop against Championship side Sunderland and performed exceptionally well, earning the praise of manager Steve Cotterill and the dressing room.

Rob Street, who is also on loan at Shrewsbury, scored his first goal for the League One outfit last month in a 3-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers. He discusses his goal, his time in Shropshire and more HERE.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has continued his fine form for Charlton, after scoring his sixth goal of the season in their 3-1 triumph over Portsmouth on New Year’s Day. He also featured in the Addick's run to the quarter-final of the League Cup, beating the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, Walsall and Stevenage before falling at Old Trafford to Manchester United.

In Belgium, Jake O’Brien has notched 14 consecutive league starts for RWD Molenbeek, playing the full 90 minutes in all of their games as they look to gain promotion from the Challenger Pro League. They currently sit third in third place, with the league resuming at the end of January.

Similarly, Malachi Boateng has also continued his streak of featuring in every Queen’s Park game since moving on loan to the Scottish second division side. The Spiders are top of the Scottish Championship, four points ahead of Ayr.

Call-ups and contracts

A number of Palace Academy stars have signed new deals and earned new professional contracts over the festive period.

Striker John-Kymani Gordon, who has netted 13 goals in 17 games this season, signed a new contract extension in December. Goalkeeper Owen Goodman also put pen to paper on a new contract extension in November 2022, a reward for his solid performances in Paddy McCarthy’s U21 side.

Under-18s forward David Obou also secured his first professional contract in December after overcoming a lengthy injury that has kept out for the entirety of the 2022/23 season so far. Meanwhile, fellow Under-18s defender Caleb Kporha earned his first ever international call-up for England Under-17s.

What to watch on Palace TV+

Next up on Palace TV+ is the Under-21s’ huge clash against Sheffield United in the Premier League Cup. A win will take Palace through to the next round and you can see how they fare LIVE on Palace TV+ from 12:00 GMT on Friday, 13th January.

Rob Quinn’s Under-18s travel to Fulham on Saturday, 14th January and this game is also LIVE on Palace TV+ from 10:00 GMT.

Click HERE for more information on Palace TV+.

Academy
Under-18s
Under-21s

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