Binnion: It's been a top week

Ensuring our progression to round four of the competition, goals from Maximilian Oyedele, Manni Norkett and Sam Mather proved to be the difference at Selhurst Park, with the Reds now set to face either Stoke City or Blackpool away from home.

With three players from Binnion's starting XI enjoying being members of our recent training camp in Spain this past week as well, the coach was keen to praise the output they showed on a chilly afternoon in south London.

''I thought we started really well and we knew that was going to be important,'' began Binnion, following the victory.

''I didn't think we would go two-up as quickly as we did, so that's a bonus but I think we deserved it with the start we had. I know that our second goal comes from an outstanding Elyh Harrison save and I thought he was outstanding. Then the intelligence to find that pass and then we thought we could catch them out in those moments, which we executed to go 2-0 up.

''Obviously, then Palace, here at home, they are not going to go away and I feel like the period between 30 and 70 minutes, when they scored and were in the ascendancy at the end of the first half, I don't think we quite managed that well enough.

''That's what we talked about in there, but then I was really pleased with the way we managed the end of the game. Sam Mather's goal was really good quality and Dan Gore also hit the bar. I think we were comfortable winners in the end.''

Bidding to retain our FA Youth Cup crown this season, our young Reds were made to work for the victory, with Crystal Palace's Academy side performing well on the day.

Binnion insisted that our memorable triumph at Old Trafford in the final last season - in front of a 67,000-strong crowd - will have only benefit his group of players, as they bid to earmark more success in the future.

''I think that's really important,'' he added. ''They have played in bigger games than this and I don't mean that in a disrespectful way, as this game was really important, but that feeling now is not new to them.

''They then give that confidence to the other boys with their quality but also with their experience that they've had. Also three of them have not been with us all week, five of the youth team have been in Spain this week, with 16 of our Under-21s and Under-18s.

''In terms of a week of development, for us to get through today and for 16 players, including five scholars, to have the week in Spain with the first team and the staff and the senior players it's been a brilliant week. I think it demonstrates the quality we have got across all of our teams.''