In a game of missed chances the Golden Boys slipped to a second straight defeat as the Academy boys went down 3-0 on Saturday morning (12 September).

In a game that was there for the taking, Palace stepped up the pace in the second half, leaving Mark Warburton's side with work to do before a tough trip to Chelsea next time out.

After a scrappy start Watford settled the quickest, winger Billy Gibson stroking a lovely through ball to Kurtney Brooks only to miss the one on one chance.

Gibson was next to see a chance go begging. After some neat play from Cole Penny found Matty Whichelow, the midfielder found Gibson on the angle of the area, as he broke into the box the Palace 'keeper made himself big and saved well to deny the opening goal for the Hornets.

Soon after Whichelow missed a double opportunity, his first effort was saved well while the rebound finished just wide of the post.

It would prove not to be Whichelow's day in front of goal, as after the versatile player showed great pace to latch on to a long up and under, with only the 'keeper to beat his lofted effort drifted narrowly over the bar.

After riding their luck Palace forced Watford stopper Jamie Irving into a good double save, keeping the scores level at half time.

The Palace youngsters started the second half much brighter, the changes made by the visiting team forcing the Watford boys on to the back foot, making it much harder to break down the Eagles.

The changes paid dividends as Palace took the lead with a great move down the right that was finished off with authority to put Palace ahead.

Warburton made a change bringing on midfielder Chez Isaac for Fabrice Otshudi, then afterwards Piero Mingoia couldn't convert a chance to bring the scores level. After a neat ball, Mingoia found himself through on goal, the Palace 'keeper made another inspired save to deny the tricky winger.

With chances on the visitor's goal fast evaporating the moment would prove pivotal, as Palace doubled their lead from a corner, to all but kill the game.

Irving was called into action again making a fine save at the back post to keep any faint hopes alive, for the home side.

With time running out Warburton was forced to push players forward and Whichelow saw an effort drift over the bar which spelled the end for the home side and with seconds left on the clock a mistake in defence let Palace in for their third and a score line that flattered the visitors.