The Crystal Palace academy have had a respectable start to the new season in both the Under 18 Premier League and Premier League Two.
As well as their three league games, the 18s have also been in action in the Premier League Cup in August. There league results have consisted of one loss against Chelsea and two wins against Birmingham and Tottenham.
The 21s are unbeaten in their first two Premier League Two games with a win against Tottenham and a draw against West Brom.
Performance of the month: Birmingham City U18s 0-8 Crystal Palace U18s
A dream start to the season for Crystal Palace’s U18s as they took to the road travelling up to the Midlands to face Birmingham.
It took Palace just 11 minutes to score their first goal of the season with Ben Casey setting up Makai Bernard-Ferguson who found the top corner with his strike.
Ten minutes later Casey would get on the scoresheet making it 2-0.
But it was the second half in which the eagles really ran riot as they scored six. Donte Martin scored a header within the first minute after the break getting on the end of a Joel Drakes-Thomas header at the back post.
Casey got two goals this game with a header after being found in the centre of the area. Chuks Okoli showed hunger for the fifth after a corner was whipped in to the penalty box.
Stuart Oduro would also get a double in this game with his first coming from close range and Drakes-Thomas’ strike was also from inside the six-yard area after some good movement from him in the build-up.
A real statement victory to open the new campaign
Player of the month – Benji Casey
[](http://Ben Casey of Crystal Palace is challenged by Kian Noble of Manchester City during The FA Youth Cup Third round match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Joie Stadium on December 06, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images))
Ben Casey of Crystal Palace playing against Manchester City in 2024. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Last season was Casey’s first year as a scholar for the South London side, and he had a promising year getting 12 goals and one assist.
He also featured in all 28 games in all competitions and was the only youngster to do this for the U18s.
The 17-year-old is well on his way to beating last season’s tally having got six goals in the three league games so far, including a hattrick in the 3-2 win against Tottenham, and a goal against Man City in the cup.
Casey is yet to have made an appearance for the under 21s but will be looking to continue to impress this season.
Where it leaves them
The Under 21s unbeaten start to the season has them currently sat in 12th place on 4 points with a +1-goal difference.
Birmingham City currently occupy 11th place on 5 points having played an extra game than the young eagles. Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Norwich occupy 13th, 14th and 15th also on 4 points. Those three sides have also all played three games so far this term.
After their two wins and loss in the league in August the under 18s currently sit 2nd. Only behind Arsenal who have won three from three. Four other teams also sit on six points which includes Chelsea, Fulham, Southampton and Leicester City.
In the Premier League Cup, the 18s sit top of Group D with Manchester City, Chelsea and Sheffield United all having 1 point after both two opening group games finished as a draw.
Looking ahead
The Under 18s have three games to come in September. Two league games at home in London against Ipswich Town and **Reading.**Their one game on the road this coming month is against Aston Villa Under 18s.
The Under 21s also have three games to come in September. They will face Wimbledon away in the **EFL Trophy**on the 16th before a league game at home against Leeds and an away game against Manchester United.