It's now four league and cup victories in succession for Newcastle U21s, following a PL2 win over the Eagles at a damp and chilly Whitley Park on Friday night.

Scheduled for a 7pm start, kick-off was delayed by ten minutes due to the late arrival of medical cover followed by emergency repairs to a hole in one of the goal nets.

Matt Targett and Lewis Miley were both named in the side and a 24th minute cross by the latter fell to Johnny Emerson, who fired tamely towards Louie Moulden.

Targett's free kick delivery seven minutes later was then flicked home by Ben Parkinson, United's U21 top scorer moving on to seven league and cup goals this season.

1-0 ahead at the break, Parkinson fired narrowly off target six minutes into the second period; Palace's Jesse Derry then sending his shot wide just after the hour.

Home substitute Alfie Harrison twice came close to doubling his side's lead late on: Moulden pushing one long-range pile-driver against the post and another powerful shot whistling just over the crossbar.

1-0 it remained though; Diarmuid O'Carroll's side winning for the fourth time in five PL2 outings and moving on 16 points from their opening nine games. 

Rising to sixth in the table, United are now just three points shy of emulating their 19 point haul from the full 20 game 2023/24 season.

Praise be to GW