English Soccer News

Carabao Cup: Crystal Palace 0-0 Colchester (Colchester win 5-4 on penalties)

Dean Gerken excelled for Colchester and saved Andros Townsend’s penalty in the shootout

Andros Townsend had his penalty saved as a weakened Crystal Palace were beaten by League Two Colchester in a Carabao Cup shootout.

After Townsend squandered the first spot-kick following a goalless 90 minutes, Noah Chilvers gave the U’s their first EFL Cup win against top-flight opponents since 1979.

Despite making 10 changes to the side that won at Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday, Palace manager Roy Hodgson still fielded seven internationals for this second-round tie.

Belgium forward Christian Benteke went closest to making the breakthrough for the hosts – he had an early effort saved by visiting keeper Dean Gerken, then hit the crossbar.

Palace introduced Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha after the break as they searched for a winning goal, but John McGreal’s side held firm.

The draw for the third round takes place on Wednesday, after the remaining second-round ties have been played.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson said: “We sign players, believe in them and believe that when they get their chance they will shine. You can’t do more than give them a chance to come in and shine and there will be some who aren’t happy with their performance.

“But the bottom line is if we can’t start scoring goals it will be difficult for us and that is because we don’t create or take our chances, so as a result you are never sheltered.”

Colchester manager John McGreal said: “We are big on academy products. We have a young boy coming through at right-back, [Noah] Chilvers comes on, he has been training with us for a good year and has little bit of snippets of playing.

“Little did I know, I see him pick the ball up and take the fifth penalty, fair play to the lad.”

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