Leading the line for the table toppers was under-16s attacker Rob Street, and he was involved in all of his team’s three goals with the first coming after 16 minutes. He controlled a cross by Joseph Hungbo to tee up Sean Robertson who finished well, and that gave the visitors the emphasis to push on and try and find a second, however a fine goalkeeping display prevented Paddy McCarthy’s team from extending their lead before half-time.
Things continued in the same vein until on 66 minutes when the Eagles finally added the second their dominance deserved. Street played a great weighted pass to Hungbo who beat a player on the edge of the box and finished well into the bottom corner to score his 14th of the campaign, and three minutes later the points looked to be sealed when Street got the goal his display deserved after being picked out by Robertson to register his first goal for the under-18s.
However on 72 minutes the Tigers pulled one back when Daniel Hawkins netted a fine volley from a tight angle, and then 11 minutes from time Keane Lewis-Porter headed in at the back post to set up a grandstand finish.
Despite conceding twice in quick succession, Palace remained resolute at the back and prevented the hosts from snatching a dramatic point to maintain their grip on the top of the table.
Palace: Funnell, Hanson, Onoabhagbe, Lynch, Chamberlain, Bryan, Robertson (Pierrick 71), Boateng, Donkin (Ajayi 78), Hungbo, Street. Subs not used: Luthra, Demby, Matthews.