Palace U18s 2 Charlton U18s 1

samedi 30 janvier 2016

After a couple of recent heavy heavy defeats, the visit of free scoring league leaders Charlton was the last thing Palace needed today. But Palace produced their best performance of the season in front of a decent sized crowd which included Shaw and Bright.


As expected Charlton started strongly and were in control in the early stages but the Palace back 4 stood up to the test well and the only real scare when when CB Sam Woods had to head off of his own line.
Palace grew into the game and took the lead in the 17th minute when good work down the right (as there was all game from RB Hossanh and wide right midfielder Lumeka) led to a cross which wide left man Hungbo met at back post with shot across keeper into the net.

The goal gave Palace confidence and had a period of ascendency during which CM Hogan moved the ball well and Palace almost doubled the lead when LB Sturgess crossed to back post and ball was just too high for head of Lumeka. Hungbo also side footed over from a Hogan cross.

The visitors came back strongly as the half progressed. A brave Akiotu header cleared a dangerous FK. But Palace were dangerous on the break and a two on one ended when Hungo crossed for CF trialist from Chelsea Malaki (unsure of surname) to turn and shoot, but keeper tipped it over bar.

Charlton pressure told in 40th minute when they equalised via a lovely sweeping move which ended with their LB curling home a sweet shot from 15 yards.

LB Sturgess went off injured at HT and he was replaced by Jalen Jones who himself was only sub as was not 100% fit.

Charlton were well on top for early period of 2nd half which saw Palace keeper save bravely at feet of CF, a last ditch tackle from RB Hossanh prevent a goal and a close range effort clip the top of Palace crossbar.

To their credit Palace grew into the half and came on strongly from the hour mark onwards. LB Akiotu floated over a lovely crosss that Phillps met with strong header which produced a top save from the Charlton keeper. Then Lumeka missed an open goaql, side footing wide from 7 yards out from a low Hossanh cross and a surging run took Phillips through but his shot hit keepers feet.

The goal eventually came for Palace. Hossanh played a decent ball out of defence to Lumeka. He played a clever ball into run of CF Malakai. He showed strength to hold off the much bigger CB and then produced a nice finish whith a strong shot across keeper into the net.

Palace almost scored soon after when a looping Woods header from a corner was headed off of line.

Palace were fairly confortable holding onto lead and only scare was a shot from 25 yards that flew narrowly wide.

A great win. Strong team performance. MOM Hossanh at rB whose defending is fast improving to match the prowess he already had on the ball going forwards. Defensive unti very strong and sure. Competed for every ball and won majority so hats off to Akiotu, Woods and Jones (who is impressive ball playing CB).
Central Midfield unit of Phillips, Hogan and trialist from Spurs solid and got on top eventually of away midfield. Wide men Hungbo and Lumeka were threat all afternoon and did their defensive work which is clearly not something they enjoy! CF trialis from Chelsea Malaki was half the size of the CBs but battled for every ball and eventually got his reward. A big leap froward from recent performances. Clearly inspired by playing local rivals. Hope they can match performance next time out!


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