PALACE U18s were extremely unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Bolton Wanderers last Saturday in wet and windy conditions at Copers Cope Road.
Palace dominated possession in the first half and had good chances, notably through the likes of Sullay Kaikai, Jake Gray, and Connor Dymond.
However, two sucker punches were delivered by Bolton when they scored from a free-kick after a rare attack, and then an own goal put them 2-0 up after 70 minutes.
Palace continued in the same vein by passing the ball well and taking the game to the visitors, with Kaikai twice going close with terrific free-kicks that whistled inches wide.
Further shots from Kaikai, Elijah Gabsi, Derek Tieku, and Gray all peppered the goal before Dymond saw his penalty saved.
And the pressure finally told when Luke Croll headed home a Kaikai corner but for all the Palace pressure the equaliser would not come.
"I was delighted with the performance, which is the only thing that I judge these young players on," said coach Ben Garner.
"We worked hard, passed the ball very well in difficult conditions, and controlled the game.
"From the defensive third through to the attacking third we were excellent.
"I was proud of the players and we will continue to stick to our playing philosophy in the forthcoming matches."