U18s: Crystal Palace 2-1 Aston Villa

Charlie Lutz’s late goal couldn’t prevent Aston Villa from suffering a narrow defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The striker pulled one back in the 84^th minute but, despite playing nine minutes of stoppage time, the visitors were unable to find a leveller.

A goal in each half, from Zach Marsh and Basilio Socoliche respectively, had handed the Eagles a two-goal advantage.

Defeat leaves Villa bottom of a congested Under-18 Premier League heading into next weekend’s game against Southampton.

Gerard Nash’s team arrived in London looking to pick up their first win of 2023, and a strong start saw Palace defender Mofe Jemide make a goal-saving clearance.

But the Villans found themselves behind after 15 minutes when Marsh turned Finley Marjoram’s cross past James Wright.

Chances were at a premium for the remainder of the first half as Palace took a slender lead into the break.

A triple substitution at half-time saw the introduction of Lutz, Todd Alcock and Finley Munroe for Villa, with Lutz quickly forcing Jackson Izquierdo into a save.

Marsh turned provider for the home side’s second goal on 58 minutes when he dribbled beyond the Villa defence and squared the ball for Socoliche to tap home.

Rory Wilson headed a Jayden Barber cross wide as the away side looked to respond, with the striker also calling Izquierdo into a save.

And the visitors finally found a way through with six minutes remaining when Lutz collected Omari Kellyman’s through ball and slotted home.