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      U18s Report: Crystal Palace 3-1 Cardiff City

      Crystal Palace U18
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      Cardiff City U18

      Crystal Palace Under 18s bounced back from defeat by local rivals Millwall last week to score twice late on and earn victory over Cardiff City.

      The young Eagles lost their first game of the season against the Lions in their last outing, but Brandon Oddy put them ahead inside five minutes against Cardiff.

      The striker found the net after good work by Joseph Hungbo before Francis Baptiste slotted under the Bluebirds' goalkeeper.

      Matt Funnell did well to make a strong save low down and tip the ball onto the post after 21 minutes to preserve his side's lead.

      But from the resulting corner the Cardiff captain, Bodenham, was able to steer the ball into the back of the net for the equaliser.

      Funnell again did well to clear the danger after Kyle Lynch's pass fell short, and he was out quickly to clear upfield with five minutes of the first-half remaining.

      The scores were level at half-time in an even opening period, and there was little to separate the two sides for the majority of the second half. Tyrick Mitchell went close twice, with Burwood tipping over his corner and a free-kick which looked destined for the goal.

      Both sides went close mid-way through the second half, but good defending from Lynch and Onoabhagbe ensured the scores remained level, and Palace couldn't make their spell of pressure tell.

      On 88 minutes Palace took the lead again. Substitute Brandon Aveiro was fouled and from the resulting Mitchell free-kick, Oddy challenged Burwood who dropped the ball and the Eagles striker lobbed him to score his second of the game. Andrew Demby followed up as the ball was cleared by a defender but the assistant referee had already flagged for the goal.

      Aveiro was again involved as on the cusp of full-time Palace scored a third. The midfielder played a delightful through ball to Baptiste who finished with aplomb from a narrow angle.

      David Boateng saw red for a second yellow card in amongst the wild celebrations, but the Eagles came away with all three points to consolidate their lead at the top of the table.

      Watch the highlights on our Palace TV channel now or through the App in the Palace TV section and then click into Video.