Penalty misery for Manchester United U18s as Crystal Palace edge U18 PL Cup final thriller

Manchester United suffered a 6–5 penalty shootout defeat to Crystal Palace after a 1–1 draw following extra time in the U18 Premier League Cup final at Selhurst Park on Wednesday evening.

The result ends their hopes of a domestic treble, leaving the FA Youth Cup and the U18 Premier League North as their only remaining chances of silverware.

Palace were the first to threaten, with Joel Drakes-Thomas drilling a low shot straight at Cameron Bryne-Hughes.

Moments later, the hosts created another opening as Raihaan Anderson floated a cross to the back post, but the onrushing Ben Casey headed wide.

United’s first sight of goal came in the 16th minute when Jim Thwaites whipped a free-kick over the wall. Goalkeeper Lucca Benetton responded by tipping it over.

Benetton could not prevent Noah Ajayi from scoring the opener in the 19th minute, with the winger firing a low shot past him.

The Palace goalkeeper then produced a brilliant save, denying JJ Gabriel from doubling United’s advantage.

Casey came close to levelling the scores on the half-hour mark, only to be denied by the crossbar.

Palace had Benetton to thank, smothering Gabriel in a one-on-one situation, maintaining Palace’s one-goal deficit.

The hosts started the second half brighter, cranking up the pressure for the leveller.

Dean Benamar flashed a strike into the side netting before Donte Martin headed over on the hour mark.

Martin then slipped through Casey, who carried the ball down the right flank and curled his strike straight at Bryne-Hughes.

Obi squandered a good chance to get on the scoresheet. He pounced on a poor header to run through on goal, but could only smash against the bar.

Palace were awarded a penalty late on when Albert Mills brought down Casey, leading to his sending off. Casey converted the resulting spot-kick, sending the game to extra time.

Palace came the closest to scoring in the first half of stoppage time. Bryne-Hughes made a huge save to deny Casey before Benamar rattled the crossbar.

Benamar struck the post, while Jay McEvoy blasted wide at the other end in the second half of stoppage time.

With nothing to separate the two sides after extra time, the game headed for penalties.

Both teams converted their first five penalties, taking the shootout into sudden death.

Godwill Kukonki then missed for United, while Benamar converted the decisive kick, handing Palace their first U18 Premier League Cup title.

Article written by Henry Thornton .