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The Crystal Palace under 18 side held onto top spot in the Professional Development League South after beating Colchester United 2-1 at their home pitch in Beckenham.
Paddy McCarthy’s side started the game well and the first chance came in the 10th minute. Malcolm received the ball on the edge of the penalty area but his curling effort was deflected over the bar for a corner.
It wasn’t long before the quick start and pressure resulted in a goal. In the 11th minute Watson drove towards goal with the ball and slipped a nice pass to Street who was shoved over for a penalty. Francis Baptiste made no mistake slotting down low to his right.
Colchester United had their first real chance in at the end of the first half, their midfielder cut onto his right foot and shot from distance. The shot beat the Palace keeper, Webber, but not the base of the post.
It was a cagey start to the second half with neither team able to gain a real foothold in the game.
Colchester were awarded a penalty in the 81st minute, as they looked to get back to level terms. The taker looked to put as much power into his shot as possible but ballooned the ball over the bar.
The Eagles secured all three points in the 89th minute. Watson again cut in from the left and drove into the box, he found Street with a low pass and the striker finished well, placing the ball between the keepers legs.
That wasn’t the end of the action as Colchester kept their hopes alive of getting a point by adding a consolation goal deep into added time.
Unfortunately for them it wasn’t enough, and the result keeps the young Eagles at the top of the league.
Highlights will be uploaded to Palace TV and eagles.cpfc.co.uk soon.
Line-ups: Palace - Webber, Felix, Russel, Lynch, Paris, Watson, Hanson, Boateng, Malcolm, Baptiste, Street.
Subs: Luthra, Gurung, Matthews, Pierrick, Addy.