Javier Alonso praised Crystal Palace Under-18s’ first-half display but admitted there were lessons to learn from the second half after the Young Eagles beat Reading 5-3 in the U18 Premier League South at the Academy on Saturday.
I think the boys can do even more
—Javier Alonso
I think it will be a good lesson for the future
—Javier Alonso
We are in a good moment and hopefully we can continue like in the first half
—Javier Alonso
He’s one of the leaders of the team
—Javier Alonso
Donte Martin’s second consecutive hat-trick, alongside goals from Makai Bernard-Ferguson and Jacob Fasida, fired Palace into a commanding 5-0 half-time lead, extending their winning run to three matches in all competitions.
However, Reading hit back after the restart, scoring three times in the second half as Palace were reduced to nine men following red cards for Daniel Owoade and Alfie Mulvenna.
While pleased with the win, Alonso was keen to stress that his side must maintain their standards throughout a match, regardless of the scoreline.
“I think we played two different games, different halves,” he told Palace TV+. “We started very strong in the first half, we followed the game plan, the boys did very well, and we deserved to win.
“But I’m disappointed with the second half. It’s not because of the goals or because of the feeling that maybe we can draw – it’s more about the mentality. I think I saw complacency in the boys, and I think they can do more.”
Alonso also emphasised the importance of responding collectively when circumstances change, particularly after Palace’s two dismissals made for a nervy conclusion.
“We need to improve with the mentality and understand the context better,” he added.
“Obviously, we have two players sent off and we need to understand what we need to do when we are playing with nine players, because we need everyone together, fighting for the same objective.”
Academy football is more about learning and development than results, and Alonso hopes the experience will help his players recognise the importance of sustaining their performance for the full 90 minutes.
The head coach revealed that he addressed the second-half display with his squad after the final whistle, underlining the lesson he wanted them to take from the game.
“Most of the time I don’t speak after the games, but today we spoke in the changing room with the boys,” he explained. “I think it will be a good lesson for the future, hopefully, because complacency is the worst thing for everything in football, in life, in everything.
“The team is in a good moment and they deserved to beat Reading, but the mentality should be different. We are improving with the mentality, but today, after five-nil, we needed to give more.”
Despite his frustration with the second half, Alonso was encouraged by the team’s recent progress, with Saturday’s victory extending their winning run to three matches following a 3-0 U18 Premier League Cup triumph over Leeds United and an emphatic 6-2 league win away at Ipswich Town.
The back-to-back league victories have lifted Palace to 10th in the Premier League South, the top tier of youth football for Category One academies in England. Alonso attributed the upturn in results to growing confidence, improved tactical understanding and a greater ability to take their chances.
“I think the team is in a good moment,” he said. “I don’t think the team was very bad before when we were losing and competing in close, tight games but couldn’t win.
"I think the main difference is now we are taking our chances, we are more confident, and we changed something tactically and the boys understand it better.
“But I don’t think before we were very bad and now very good. I think it’s just that we need to trust the process. We are in a good moment and hopefully we can continue like in the first half.”
Martin once again led the line with distinction, scoring three times to follow up his hat-trick against Ipswich.
However, Alonso was keen to highlight the forward’s wider contribution to the team, explaining that their conversations focus on his overall performance rather than simply his goalscoring.
“Donte is a good player. He’s in a good moment, he’s scoring a lot of goals, but when I speak with him, I never speak about the goals,” Alonso said.
“I’m always speaking about what he needs to do for the team, and he is giving a lot to the team. He was giving before as well, and now he’s in a good run, in a good moment, scoring goals – a hat-trick, two hat-tricks in two games – and always helping the team.
“He’s one of the leaders of the team.”
The Young Eagles will look to build on their recent form when they travel to face Brighton next Saturday (11:00 BST), with the derby available to watch live on Palace TV+.