Crystal Palace’s U18’s made light work of a potentially tricky fixture at Hull City and returned to London knowing that they will be on the road again for a quarter final clash with Newcastle United after a convincing 4-1 success in this FA Youth Cup fifth round tie.
The Eagles made a flying start and opened the scoring within moments of the kick-off when Joe Goldsmith headed home after a great run and cross from Wilfred Zaha.
Despite this early setback the hosts regained their composure and gradually fashioned a couple of good opportunities which both fell to Raymond Ford.
First, on 25 minutes, he was denied by the woodwork after his angled drive hit the post, his second effort on 33 minutes however, produced a wonder save from Charlie Mann in the Palace goal, who somehow got to Ford’s volleyed strike.
Just as Hull sensed an equaliser was on the cards Palace doubled their advantage through right back Kieran Kenlock. The full-back firing a 40-yard effort in to the top corner after Hull had cleared from a corner.
Two down at the break, Hull approached the second half with plenty of endeavour and were rewarded when Mark Cullen’s 29th goal of the season in the 56th minute reduced their arrears.
But the comeback was short-lived as Palace restored their two-goal lead a couple of minutes later as Kenlock’s cross was headed in by Goldsmith for his second of the night.
Hull continued to press but a strong Palace backline of Jerry Nnamani, Matt Parsons, Jack Holland and Kenlock remained resolute and with just seconds remaining Jack Randall made it 4-1 to seal a memorable win for Palace.
In a good week for Championship Clubs, Watford proved that reputations count for nothing with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield.
Piero Mingoia was the hero, converting a spot kick on 18 minutes after skipper Eddie Oshodi had been fouled by Stephen Sama.
Watford will now face London giants Chelsea in the next round of the competition.
