Palace had threatened to keep Hassan Sulaiman's side at bay, and the hosts arguably were the better side in the opening period. But two goals in four second-half minutes proved the difference.

The first was struck by Jimmy-Jay Morgan, who finished coolly following a driving run and pass from Reiss Denny. A trademark second from Tyrique George soon followed; the 18-year-old collected the ball outside the penalty area and rifled a shot into the net.

Palace set up a nervy ending after Jesse Derry turned home from close range, but the Blues saw out the six minutes of injury time to keep their hopes of progressing to the final alive.

Stormy Selhurst

Set against the backdrop of relentless rain at Selhurst Park, both sides started at a fast tempo, with the Blues looking composed in possession from the get-go. But it was Chelsea’s Max Merrick who was the first goalkeeper to be tested in the tricky conditions.

Our No.1 was called into action to keep out Asher Agbinone’s drive across the face of goal and soon after was quick off his line to deny Palace skipper Zach Marsh after he had broken through.

The hosts had the better of the early stages and only a last-ditch block denied Palace’s Sebastian Williams. In the ensuing scramble, Agbinone again worked Merrick.

A strong response

The Blues began to grow into the game and created their first opportunities of the tie.

George fired narrowly wide of the Palace post with a fizzing effort from distance and moments later, Josh-Kofi Acheampong couldn’t find the target after good work from Reiss Denny out wide.

A minor scare came when Kiano Dyer lost the ball on the edge of the area, but Derry failed to take advantage for the hosts.

As the half-time interval approached, the young Blues began to turn the screw. Successive corners from Denny caused problems, and the third found Harrison Murray-Campbell from close range.

However, the centre-back could only guide his header over the crossbar and the game was goalless at the break.

Ruthlessness key

The young Blues started the second half as they had ended the first: creating the better chances.

A flying burst forward from skipper Harrison McMahon down the right channel immediately created an opportunity for Morgan, but his effort was well blocked in the Palace penalty area.

Murray-Campbell again went close from another dangerous corner while Somto Boniface also fired just over.

The hosts nearly opened the scoring when Merrick had to make a superb double stop to deny Agbinone and then Derry after a swift Palace counter. It was a scare that appeared to focus Chelsea minds and, minutes later, the Blues had the lead.

Denny was the architect as he drove forward with the ball, waited for the right time to slip a pass to Morgan, and the striker let the ball run across his body, and guided a shot into the near-post for his eighth goal of 2024.

A shellshocked Palace were still regrouping when George then produced his moment of magic.

The talented attacker fully deserved his goal for another outstanding display on the big stage.

Derry’s well-taken goal gave Palace late hope but, in truth, Sulaiman's side were good value for the win and move into the last eight where they will face another trip to south London.

What it means

Victory keeps alive our hopes of winning the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 2018. The young Blues will travel to old rivals Millwall in the quarter-finals next month.

What is next

The Under-18s face another London derby on Tuesday as they travel to West Ham United in the Under-18 Premier League.

The teams

Chelsea (3-4-3): Merrick; Acheampong, Murray-Campbell, Samuels-Smith (Akomeah 67); McMahon (C), Dyer, Denny (Harrison 82) Boniface; Golding (Richards 77), Morgan, George
Unused subs: Luke Campbell, Leo Cardoso, Frankie Runham, Chima Ngumoho.
Scorers: Jay-Morgan 64, George 68.

Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Eastwood, King, Jemide, Grante, Cardines, S. Williams, Cowin, Gibbard, Agbinone, Marsh (Dashi 11; Redhead 70); Derry.
Unused subs: Hill, Adams-Collman, Elliott, Whyte, Lusale
Scorers: Derry 85.