Under-21s: Crystal Palace 0-1 Wanderers

Tom Youngs' late goal secures three Selhurst Park points for Wanderers

Tom Youngs was once again the match-winner for Wanderers’ second string, as they overcame Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday evening.

Youngs, a scorer in a 2-1 win at Reading just seven days earlier, netted the only goal of the game, lashing home sub Aaron Knight’s clever touch on 85 minutes.

A young Wanderers side signalled their attacking intent in the early throes of the game, weaving pretty patterns in the midfield areas.

However, it was the hosts who mustered the first meaningful attempt of the game, with Jay Lynch palming away Jason Banton’s powerful deflected effort from distance wide of the post.

Youngs, who was lively throughout, combined with Joe McKee midway through the half but his eventual shot from deflected harmlessly wide.

Palace did test Lynch again before the interval, though the Bolton stopper stood up well, particularly when parrying another Banton effort onto the woodwork.

After the interval Wanderers began to make significant inroads into the Palace rearguard, as Jack Sampson’s low drive from distance was well held by keeper Ross Fitzsimons.

Banton continued to threaten for Palace, twice coming close with efforts from outside the area, however I was to be Jamie Fullarton’s side who were to net the all-important goal with just five minutes of play left.

Sampson’s centre from the left flank was chested down by sub Knight, with an unmarked Youngs converting beyond the goalkeeper from close range.

Crystal Palace:Fitzsimons, Akuruka, Wynter, Taylor, Parsons, Parrett, Boateng (Dymond 90), Allassani, Banton, Appiah, Sekajja (Kaikai 87) (Unused subs: Williams, Gregory, Henry-Francis)

Wanderers: Lynch, Threlkeld, Bolger, Gregus (Kelly 46), Kellett, McQuade, Blakeman, McKee (Knight 80), Odelusi, Sampson, Youngs (Unused subs: Sievers, Dennis)
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