Oakley Cannonier continued his remarkable start to the season with a second hat-trick as Liverpool edged to victory in their Premier League U18 Cup opener.
Cannonier scored twice in the first half before completing his treble after the break as Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's side won 3-2 at the Academy in Kirkby on Saturday.
The 17-year-old forward now has nine goals in five competitive appearances this season as the U18s continued their unbeaten start to the campaign.
But they were made to work hard by a spirited Palace side who ensured the outcome was in doubt until the final whistle.
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Cannonier scored the opener on 10 minutes when turning home a Melkamu Frauendorf assist after good work down the right by Isaac Mabaya.
Harvey Blair was twice denied by visiting goalkeeper Owen Goodman as the young Reds dominated the first half.
And they doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break as centre-back Stefan Bajcetic strode forward and hit a shot Goodman could only parry, with Cannonier slotting home the rebound.
Palace reduced the deficit five minutes after the interval when Jadan Raymond headed home a cross from the left.
But Cannonier completed his hat-trick midway through the half when firing home after James Balagizi had won possession.
And although the visitors responded almost immediately with another header from a left-wing cross, this time by Ademola Ola-Adebomi, the young Reds were good value for their hard-earned victory.
Liverpool U18s are next in action in the U18 Premier League North on Tuesday at home to Derby County (kick-off 7pm).
