Will Buse - 8
First big test arrived in the 34th minute when he made a smart save to deny Palace's striker Adebomi. Had no chance with Palace's opener but may feel he could have held onto the ball before Omilaby's strike. Superb save from a penalty, diving to his left to keep the scores level. An emphatic save to deny Gordon on the angle towards the end.
Zac Bell - 7
Played on the right of the defensive three and could showcase his pace to cover Low with the runners in behind. Was up against a really good talent in John-Kymani Gordon and largely dealt with him well. Made a really good block to deny a Palace third.
Callum Wood - 7
Cool, calm and collected on the ball with smart passes forward to try and get City up the pitch. Most of Palace's attacks came down City's other side having prevented David Omilaby from using his pace to get down the side.
Joe Low - 5
Came really close to opening the scoring when his header at the back post was saved from close range. Was involved in an intriguing and physical battle with their striker Ademola Ola-Adebomi - one that both players would feel they came out on top in. Equalised but was then sent off seconds later for a handball on the line in an eventful afternoon.
Sam Pearson - 7
Unusually started at right wing-back which provided an opportunity to showcase his ability from wide positions. Almost assisted Palmer-Houlden with a delivery to the back post. Impressed with his positioning from a defensive perspective and played higher up the pitch in the second half. A tireless performance.
Harry Leeson - 6
Positive going forward by being direct and running at their full-back. Started out at the left wing-back and had the pace to deal with his man who tried to make runs forward at every opportunity. Has a good understanding with Callum Wood but forced to drop into central defence after Low's red card. Didn't have much of a chance to showcase his ability going forward.
Ben Acey (off 56, Anderson) - 6
Started brightly but Palace's quality came to the fore and it meant the attacking midfielder found it difficult to get himself on the ball. Couldn't find those pockets of space between the midfield and attack to manoeuvre where he can be so effective. Came off 10 minutes into the second half.
Josh Owers - 7
His first appearance in the U21s for a while enjoying a loan spell with Gloucester City and it was a combative performance in the middle of the park. Had to be physical in the tackle and remain disciplined at times when Palace had spells of possession. Some impressive passes into the feet of Bell in the second half.
Omar Taylor-Clarke - 6
His ability from the dead ball situation is a real weapon with a number of really testing deliveries into the area. Was beaten for pace in his own box for Palace's second. Didn't really get into the game in the second half but showed moments of his ability breaking forward.
Sam Bell - 7
Had a chance in the opening few seconds of the game but was feeding off scraps for the majority of the first half as City struggled to play through the Palace lines. Much livelier in the second half with direct runs down the side of Palace's central defenders but just couldn't get his opportunity in front of goal. Took the pressure off his side really well at times with his hold-up play.
Seb Palmer-Houlden (off 83, Hewlett) - 7
Stung the keeper's palms with a decent effort from the edge of the area and then rippled the net from the resulting corner with a good header from close range. Ran himself into the ground trying to put pressure on the Palace backline and prevent them from playing.
Substitutes
Taine Anderson (on 56, Acey) - 6
Added some defensive stability at left wing-back and needed no time to get up to the speed of the game. Had to play deep when City went down to 10 men for a large period of the second half.
Calum Hewlett (on 83, Palmer-Houlden) - N/A
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