Stanley will host Premier League side Crystal Palace in the third round of the FA Youth Cup after seeing off Fleetwood Town at a drenched Wham Stadium.

Nathan Webb hit a quick-fire brace before half-time to turn the game round, after Louis Myers had given the visitors a fourth minute lead.

Stanley then dug deep to hold firm during the second half, and will now welcome Palace to Lancashire after edging a tight cup tie.

The difficult conditions did not seem during the to faze either side during the opening exchanges as tackles and challenges flew in, but it was Fleetwood who flew out of the traps going forwards and they took an early lead. Liam Woods engineered space down the right and found Myers with the cross, who nodded home from close range.

Chances remained at a premium throughout due to the weather, but the visitors were next to come close. Right-back Wesley Nelson flung over a testing cross that Stanley keeper Jack Little could only palm towards Myers, but the striker skewed his shot high and wide from close range.

After gaining a foothold in the match and keeping themselves in the cup tie – Little pulling off two great saves in the process – the hosts restored parity. James Wolfenden’s deep free-kick sailed into the area, and Webb brilliantly glanced a header past Wynne from a tight angle to bring Stanley level.

Webb, who plundered a hat-trick in the last round of the cup, had the bit between his teeth and he scored again to put Stanley ahead. Stuart Callaway’s low corner from the left wasn’t dealt with by Fleetwood and Webb applied the finishing touch from no more than two yards out.

In the second half, Michael Tetteh came within inches of equalising for Fleetwood, but his goal-bound effort was magnificently tipped onto the post by Little. At the other end, skipper Roman Hickey’s shot was comfortable for Wynne.

The rain continued to poor but, ironically the chances dried up. However with 20 minutes to go Fleetwood substitute Tyrell McKenzie missed a gilt-edged chance when he blazed over from close range as a reminder the game was not yet over.

From then on, it was backs to the wall for Stanley as the game headed towards a tense finale. But the young Reds clung on to their lead to advance through to the third round.

STANLEY: Little; Wolfenden, Sykes (Gunner 83), Smith, Ogle; Dass, Roberts, Hickey, Hartley (Blackburn 80); Callaway (Moran, 70), Webb
SUBS NOT USED: Wolland, Scarth

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