Crystal Palace Under-21s reached the EFL Trophy knockout stages for the first time since entering the competition in 2021/22 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Newport County at Rodney Parade.
Jasper Judd gave the Young Eagles the lead in the first half, but Newport responded through James Crole after the interval. David Angibeaud then restored Palace’s advantage with a late winning goal to secure a historic result.
Head Coach Darren Powell was particularly pleased with the way his side dealt with Newport’s pressure during the second half. Palace had impressed in possession before the break, but were forced to defend for long periods after the hosts equalised.
Powell highlighted the team’s determination to remain organised and continue competing when the match became difficult. He said the players had shown the collective defending and resilience required to see out the contest, adding that their reaction to the pressure was a source of pride.
The result also fulfilled a challenge Powell had set his players before the game: to become the first Palace Academy side to reach the competition’s knockout stages. He praised the group’s desire to achieve that milestone and underlined the value of matches played against senior opposition, in stadiums with supporters and meaningful consequences.
Powell also pointed to the response required after Palace’s heavy defeat at Plymouth earlier in the group stage. He wants the same level of commitment to carry into every fixture, with Everton next on Sunday.
