Town's U18 side produced an amazing comeback at Crystal Palace on Saturday morning to get a 3-3 draw after being three down at half-time.

The Blues were without defender Tommy Smith (international duty) and striker Jordan Rhodes (groin), while Jack Ainsley was regaining his fitness with the U16s.

Palace's first goal came on 15 minutes from a free header from a corner. Five minutes later Curtley Williams picked up an injury and was replaced by Ian Nimmo. This led to Luke Webster dropping back to right-back from midfield and Russell Short moving across to centre-back.

A good strike from just inside the Town box doubled Palace's advantage on the half-hour mark. It was 3-0 five minutes before half-time when Plummer was beaten after being left one-on-one with an attacker.

An evidently stiff half-time team-talk from coach Steve Greaves woke Town up for the second half.

Jai Reason pulled the first back for Town on 65 minutes, scoring a penalty that had been given for handball.

Kieran Leabon scored with a header from six yards out five minutes later after a perfect corner from the impressive Reason.

Striker Craig Calver, 16, making only his second U18 start, scored his second goal in as many games with 10 minutes remaining. More good work from Reason out wide led to Calver being left with an open goal and he tapped in from six yards.

Town still had chances to win it but failed to take them, however, keeper Plummer pulled off a fine save late on to keep Town's point.

A very disappointing first half from Town in which no one really stood out. In the second half, the two centre-backs, Fenn and Short, looked solid and Reason and Upson got hold of the midfield and ran the show.

Meanwhile, Town's U16 side gained a rare victory, winning 1-0 at Palace. Jack Ainsley, returning from injury, scored the Town goal, smashing the ball into the top corner when one-on-one with the Palace keeper.

U18s: Plummer, Short, Robinson, Reason, C Williams (Nimmo 20), Fenn, Leabon, Upson, Barrett (Tooms 60), Calver and Webster. Unused: Clemo and Boto.

Photo: Action Images

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