Crystal Palace 0 Wolves 1 (Angel 70)
Dani Angel’s second half header earned Wolves under-21s three Premier League 2 points at Crystal Palace Stadium on Monday night.
After defeat in the PL Cup last week, James Collins made seven changes to the starting 11 that faced Sheffield United, including first-team player Boubacar Traore, who returned after a long-term injury.
The opening 20 minutes proved to be challenging for Wolves, despite having the majority of the possession, as a well drilled Crystal Palace defence, which included Rob Holding, denied them of any clear-cut opportunities on goal.
Midway through the first half, momentum had shifted in favour of the hosts, Ademola Ola-Adebomi had a chance to open the scoring but was denied by Josh Gracey, making his PL2 debut in goal.
The Old Gold created a chance of their own minutes later as a Dexter Lembikisa cross found Ty Barnett with space inside the area, but former Wolves stopper Louie Moulden held onto his effort.
The Eagles continued to threaten on the counter-attack, but Gracey was comfortable when tested.
Half-time | Crystal Palace 0-0 Wolves
After the interval, Wolves were quick out the blocks and after a neat passage of play Barnett had a strike on goal, but to the annoyance of the forward, his effort was off target.
Collins’ side eventually broke the deadlock in the 70th minute as Temple Ojinnaka’s inviting cross was inch-perfect for substitute Angel, who nodded the ball home.
Malcolm Ebiowei’s effort looked destined for the top corner, but an incredible athletic save from Gracey helped Wolves hold onto their advantage with eight minutes to go.
Wolves were persistent in their defensive duties towards the end of the game and after a heavy amount of injury time, held onto their lead professionally.
Collins’ men will now turn their attention to Friday 24th January, as they welcome Manchester City to Aggborough Stadium.
Full-time | Crystal Palace 0-1 Wolves
LINE UPS
Crystal Palace | Moulden, Kporha, Browne, Holding, Grehan, Rodney (Austin 75), Umeh (Cardines 75), Wells-Morrison, Ola-Adebomi, Mustapha, Plange (Ebiowei 75).
Subs not used | Grante, Derry.
Wolves | Gracey, Lembikisa (Mabete 63), Hubner, Meupiyou, Ojinnaka, Traore (Ashworth 33), Barnett, Cundle, Chiwome (Angel 67), Chirewa, Sutherland.
Subs not used | Whittingham, Reynolds.
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Report by Thomas Gibson
