U21s: United 4 Palace 1

Jacob Devaney got things started as he opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, before Gabriele Biancheri added a second shortly after the restart.

Asher Agbinone then pulled one back for the Eagles with a brilliant curling strike from range, but there was still time for more goals at the Peninsula Stadium.

Shea Lacey netted a brace from the bench, with his first a superb free-kick and his second a well-taken effort off the post that ensured victory for Travis Binnion's side.

FIRST HALF

United dominated most of the early sparring at Salford City's ground, with Jaydan Kamason putting in a strong challenge that delighted the Reds faithful in attendance.

Bendito Mantato was proving too hot to handle for Palace as he burst forward after 21 minutes played, with his low shot across goal blocked at the decisive moment.

A neat cross from Jayce Fitzgerald was well met by Biancheri soon after, but the young Wales forward couldn't direct his header goalwards.

Our good early work was rewarded in first-half stoppage time, as Devaney picked up the ball on the edge of the area after a neat move and finished with aplomb.

SECOND HALF

It didn't take our young Reds long to then make it two, with Devaney this time turning provider. The captain for the afternoon teed up Biancheri, who nodded past Jackson Izquierdo at the back post.

United could have had a third if Devaney had picked the correct pass in the penalty area soon after, and Biancheri then tested Palace's goalkeeper with another effort as we reached the final 20 minutes, but this time Izquierdo was more than equal to it.

The Eagles got themselves back in it, however, with 10 minutes left to play, as Agbinone plucked a wonderful strike from his right boot that sailed past Dermot Mee and into the very top corner.

Chido Obi and Lacey were both introduced for the final stages and it was the latter who put the game well and truly to bed.

His first goal was a beautiful free-kick that sailed around the Palace wall, leaving the Eagles goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

And there was still time for another from the Liverpudlian, as he received the ball inside the area, before twisting and turning and wrapping an effort into the net for 4-1.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Mee, Kamason, Munro (T.Fletcher 62), Armer, J.Fletcher, McAllister (Lacey 63), Devaney, Mantato (Obi 63), Fitzgerald, Scanlon, Biancheri (Musa 90).

Sub not used: Murdock.

Goals: Devaney 45+2, Biancheri 56, Lacey 87, 90.

Booked: Armer, Munro, Kamason, J.Fletcher, Mee.