12th May 2024 • Written by Henry Swain

Palace U18s end season on a high with 3-0 victory over Reading

Image via cpfc.co.uk

In the final game of the Under-18s 2023/24 season, Rob Quinn’s side travelled to face a Reading side who occupied bottom spot in the Under-18 Southern Premier League. The Eagles could not alter their league position having secured sixth place but looked to end the season on a high against a side with a goal difference of -40.

Sixteen-year-old Samuel Lusale entered the starting XI as Luke Browne continued his return to the team after he was injured in his first game for the club against Aston Villa in the PL Cup Quarter Final. Recent Under-21 feature Joe Gibbard returned to the 18s to captain the side. 

Match Report

After a dominant start from Palace, Reading grew into the game and created a handful of chances. However, Asher Agbinone forced a sliding challenge halfway into the first half which won his side a penalty, the winger stepping up to dispatch calmly into the bottom right corner. Just seconds later, Luke Browne intercepted a loose ball and took one touch before unleashing a deadly strike into the same corner from the best part of 25 yards. 

The second half was closer, but a soft penalty awarded to Palace in the 65th minute gave Agbinone the chance to convert a third Palace goal, which he did with an excellently taken spot-kick. A second yellow for Charlie Walker-Smith saw Palace defend the closing 20 minutes with ten men. Despite this, Palace remained resolute and were able to close out the 3-0 victory. 

Player Ratings

Billy Eastwood (GK) - 7.5

Eastwood had little to do in the first half, but was almost caught out on multiple occasions with the ball at his feet. He was lucky to avoid conceding from the Reading pressure, but had no saves to make in the opening forty-five minutes. He Made an excellent save to deny Reading in the 61st minute with a low save from a free-kick. He also made a second big save in the 76th minute to deny the Reading forward one-on-one. A strong Eastwood display overall, with a handful of excellent saves when called upon to protect the clean sheet.

Jake Grante - 7.5

Grante was the more defensive of the two fullbacks, often tucking into the right centre-back role as the defence transitioned to cover for Cowin’s attacking contributions. He defended well in one-on-ones, with strength and timing that has no doubt developed during his time with the Under-21s. His versatility saw him step into central defence when Walker-Smith was sent off. 

Charlie Walker-Smith - 7

One of the few games this season that Walker-Smith has started, and he defended well. His height sees him stand above the opposition players and he tackles with pace and aggression. His recovery speed is also strong and he worked hard out of possession to win the ball back. In the 78th minute, he was shown a second yellow card for a slightly late challenge, a harsh decision that arguably made up for the poor decision to award Palace’s second penalty. A solid performance despite the sending off, but he will no doubt learn a lesson about remaining disciplined when on a yellow card. 

Luke Browne - 8.5

Really good to see Browne back in action recently, after a positive debut which was tarnished by an injury which put him out of action for two months. He intercepted a loose pass and released an excellent strike from the best part of 25-yards to double Palace’s lead, an excellent goal but a questionable celebration! Browne defends with authority, showing a level of composure which his opponents struggle to beat. A very strong overall performance from the central defender. 

Freddie Cowin - 8

Every time I watch Cowin play I am impressed by his tenacious work rate, both defensively and going forward. The majority of the positive attacking play from Palace came down the left-hand side, where Cowin linked up well with Agbinone to create countless chances for his side. He has a turn of pace which benefits him at both ends of the pitch, breaking into the box beyond defensive challenges but equally recovering to win the ball with similar success. 

George King - 7.5

The Palace midfield seems to dominate the opposition more often than not, and King’s presence is a large factor in that. He wins the ball with strong, aggressive tackles, leaving opponents on the floor and often coming away with the ball. He was subbed off in the 71st minute as Quinn looked to offer gametime to others.

Cormac Austin - 7.5

Similarly to King, Austin’s dominance in the middle of the pitch contributes significantly to Palace’s overall dominance in games, and this was no different against Reading. The significant highlight of Austin’s performances was that he glided through the game, standing out on few occasions purely because he is simply doing his job and doing it well. 

Joe Gibbard © - 8

Captaining the side after successful contribution to the Under-21 side, Gibbard demonstrated the maturity and technical edge that has seen him called up by Darren Powell. His on the ball play is excellent, passing with assurance and pace, whilst demonstrating his ability to break the lines with pinpoint long passes. He came close to an excellent goal, when he released a venomous strike from 25-yards which drew a diving save from the Reading keeper at full-stretch. In the second half, he came close to an assist as he broke into the box through two Reading challenges, squaring the ball to Casey who couldn’t find the right connection to score. He was also replaced in the 71st minute. 

Samuel Lusale - 8

A bright performance from the sixteen-year-old, who came close to forcing an own goal after just 30 seconds, as he drilled a low cross into the box which rebounded onto the post off the Reading defender. Just before halftime, he drew a strong save from the Reading keeper as he beat his man down the right and entered the box before striking across goal. He started the second half well too, almost assisting Agbinone after beating his man with some fast footwork before floating a high cross to his opposite winger. He was denied a goal of his own by the left hand post after, once again, beating his man and striking powerfully towards the bottom left corner. A really positive showing from Lusale, who will no doubt be a key feature of this Under-18 side next season. 

Trialist  - 6

Early chance from the Trialist which didn’t come to any fruition, but he pressed well and put in a dogged performance in terms of his off the ball work. He could have offered more in the final third but was outshone by Lusale and Agbinone either side of him. 

Asher Agbinone - 8.5 

A clinical performance from Agbinone as always, who won the first penalty with an excellent burst of pace into the box, sithed down by the Reading defender. He stepped up and took the spot kick with excellent composure into the bottom right corner to put Palace ahead. He was fortunate to win the second penalty, but took it with lethal precision, off the left hand post and in to give his side a comfortable three goal lead. His general play was also excellent in this game, a player who never lacks confidence, beating his man time and time again, and releasing numerous chances which almost resulted in goals. He was denied the chance of a hattrick when he was withdrawn in the 71st minute. 

Benji Casey (58th min sub) - 7.5

Replacing the trialist, Casey offered higher intensity in his press. His pace creates chances out of nothing, and he held the ball up with consistency, winning numerous freekicks to ease the pressure on his side. He came close to putting his name on the scoresheet when Gibbard squared the ball to him, but a poor strike couldn’t beat the Reading keeper. 

Enrique Lameiras (71st min sub) - n/a

Lameiras’ first appearance at Under-18 level, on his birthday no less, and he looked positive. Short in stature, but possessing electric acceleration and good technical ability, he wasn’t able to impact the game as he would have liked. Although the red card required him to sit deeper, it was still a positive first showing from Lameiras. 

Seb Williams (71st min sub) - n/a

Williams added the general energy that he does, winning the ball and carrying it forward with intent. Had little time to have any significant impact, but defended well as Palace looked to see out the game with a clean sheet. 

Kai-Reece Adams-Collman (71st min sub) - n/a

Adams-Collman defended well following his introduction, winning the ball back early and high up the pitch to prevent Reading from scoring a consolation goal. Where he lacks in physicality, he makes up for with his aggressive defensive style. Another strong cameo from the midfielder. 

Player of the Match - Luke Browne

Strong not only defensively but also demonstrated his technical ability as he scored the best goal of the match. He led by example, winning the ball, making blocks to deny Reading attempts and winning aerial duels all game long. On the ball he was composed, with good passing and equally ambitious moments as he carried the ball out of defence and into midfield. An excellent, commanding display amongst a number of positive performances. 

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