As the 15-minute mark approached, every Palace player was camped in the Villa half – a promising sign of intent. Their best chance up to this stage came when Ahamada threaded a pass to Nascimento, whose low cross just eluded the onrushing Marsh. Moments later, Seb Williams drifted inside and forced Villa keeper Owen Asemota into a smart diving save.
By the 20th minute, Joe Gibbard made a crucial block to deny Jimoh-Aloba’s close-range strike. Casey’s trademark run in behind saw him one-on-one with Asemota, but he was narrowly flagged offside, sending a clear warning to the hosts’ defence about his threat.
Midway through the half, play was briefly paused as Mason Cotcher was forced off through injury. The interruption disrupted Palace’s early rhythm, allowing Villa to enjoy a spell of possession and grow into the game slightly.
As the first half approached its final third, George King intercepted possession high up the pitch and brilliantly set up Casey for a one-on-one opportunity. Casey laid the ball across to Nascimento, who, in a sliding effort, collided with the 'keeper, conceding an unfortunate free-kick as the referee hesitated over the decision.
Casey remained lively throughout, constantly pointing for passes into space and chasing balls behind the defence. The young Eagles then mounted a series of set-piece threats, keeping Asemota busy with several sharp punches clear.
Villa came close to taking the lead when a teasing cross floated through the box, but Lee reacted sharply to parry it clear.
Right on the stroke of half-time, Palace struck. Reid’s inswinging corner was punched clear, only to fall to Benji Casey, who unleashed a perfectly timed volley. Though slightly off target, George King brilliantly redirected it with a header, sending the ball goalward. An exceptional finish secured Palace’s lead as the teams went into the break.