Crystal Palace Under-21s began their 2026/27 EFL Trophy campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory away to League Two Swindon Town, extending their unbeaten start across league and cup competitions.
The Young Eagles fell behind against the run of play when Antwoine Hackford took advantage of an error. Palace responded in stoppage time at the end of the first half, with Caleb Kporha restoring parity before the interval.
Seb Williams completed the turnaround 10 minutes after half-time, finding the net with a superb 25-yard finish following a cleverly worked short corner. Palace then had to withstand sustained pressure from Swindon, but held on to secure a fourth consecutive match without defeat.
Head coach Darren Powell was particularly pleased with the resilience shown by his team, whose defensive options had been affected by injuries. Palace were forced to use a makeshift back line, while Jacob Fasida stepped up from the Under-18s midfield group and Nat Kalembo also came off the bench. Powell said the players showed great character and continued to play positively in possession, despite the difficult circumstances.
The result was Palace’s first EFL Trophy win since a 3-1 success against Gillingham in September 2024. Powell also underlined the value of testing Academy players against experienced League One and League Two opposition, praising the way his side competed physically while still building attacks through controlled possession.
The match featured competitive debuts for summer arrival Taha Majni and 15-year-old Kalembo. Majni’s error contributed to Swindon’s opener, but Powell was encouraged by the defender’s response and his work in the box afterwards. Kalembo also impressed after coming on, competing well and contributing with his passing and aerial challenges.
Palace now turn their attention to Saturday’s Premier League 2 meeting with Blackburn Rovers before another EFL Trophy trip, this time to Plymouth Argyle. Powell stressed the need for his players to reproduce their performance in both upcoming fixtures.
