West Ham United U18s opened their Premier League South campaign with a harsh 3–1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Little Heath, undone by two late goals after a spirited, chance‑laden performance.

Palace struck inside five minutes, Anderson’s low cross leaving Ajean Greaves a simple tap‑in. The visitors kept pressing, forcing Goodger into a sharp save from Jayden Lloyd, but West Ham grew into the contest. Peychev and Longman combined neatly to free Frankie Day, before Kerr’s sharp dribble drew a foul in the box. He buried the penalty with calm precision to level the match.

Momentum swung West Ham’s way. Day went close after Peychev’s interception, Kerr danced through midfield to release Isaac Thomas, and Goodger punched clear a dangerous Fasida free‑kick as the half ended with the Hammers on top.

The second half was a grind. Palace came out aggressively, but Smith’s side defended with grit, blocking crosses and limiting clear chances. Goodger produced the save of the match, tipping Donte Martin’s drive onto the bar.

But with five minutes left, Palace broke through. Goodger made a double stop, only for Greaves to pounce and restore the lead. Chasing an equaliser deep into added time, West Ham were caught on the counter, Toby Williams looping in a long‑range third to seal the result.

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Crystal Palace U18s:

Benetton, Greaves, Kalembo, Mulvenna, Monk (O’Keefe), Bonsu-Amako, Anderson, Fasida, Lloyd (Williams), Martin, Moses (Lee)