Crystal Palace Under-21s opened their 2026/27 EFL Trophy campaign with a 2-1 victory over Swindon Town at the Nigel Eady County Ground on Tuesday evening. The result also extended Darren Powell’s side’s unbeaten run to four matches.
Palace started positively but were caught out after Taha Majni was dispossessed, allowing Antwoine Hackford to run through and put the League Two hosts ahead. The Young Eagles continued to create openings, and Caleb Kporha restored parity in first-half stoppage time with a composed finish into the far corner after working his way into the penalty area.
The visitors completed the comeback 10 minutes after the interval. Following a short-corner routine, Amaari Sealey picked out Seb Williams, who struck first time from 25 yards to send his effort beyond the Swindon goalkeeper.
Swindon controlled much of the possession during the closing stages and applied pressure in search of an equaliser, but Palace defended firmly to protect their lead. The Young Eagles also threatened on the break, with Sealey having a goal ruled out for offside and Dean Benamar going close from a tight angle.
Powell made four changes from the team that defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League International Cup, with summer arrival Majni making his competitive debut and fellow new signing Sealey starting for the first time at Under-21 level. Fifteen-year-old Nat Kalembo also made his competitive U21s debut, while Donte Martin was introduced late on for his own first appearance at this level.
Palace will aim to build on the result when they face Blackburn Rovers in Premier League 2 at Sutton’s Borough Sports Ground on Saturday. The fixture will be available to watch live on Palace TV+.
