ROVERS: 'Patience' is key in youth team's final bid

Trailing 2-1 from last week's clash at Selhurst Park, youth development officer Jim Furnell and coach Chris Sulley both believe Rovers are capable of claiming a place in the two-legged final against Leeds.

But Sulley warned: "Patience could be the important thing. We don't want to try to win it in the first 10 minutes, only to get caught on the break and suddenly find that the tie is over by half time.

"If our passing and movement is better than it was in the first leg, then we have every chance of going through."

Palace, coached by Peter Nicholas, are a physically strong and direct side, in contrast to Rovers' neat passing play.

And Furnell said: "If we get the ball down and play to anything like our potential, I am sure we can win. "We will be aiming to 'football' our way through."

But that isn't always easy against long ball teams.

It is likely to be a tense occasion, with a good crowd anticipated, and Sulley added: "I'm sure the players will be up for it. If they're not for a game like this, they never will be." Midfielder Steve Watkins and full back Ben Brewer are both on the injured list, with Leam Richardson likely to continue at the back and Lee Fitzpatrick a candidate for midfield.

Rovers will choose from: Stewart, Trudgill, Taylor, Brown, Richardson, Staton, Dunn, Johnson, Thomas, Duff, Fitzpatrick, McAvoy, Owler, Ryan, Obeng, Bingham.

Palace have claimed some notable scalps so far, with West Ham, Chelsea and Spurs among their victims.

The Jack Walker Stand is open for tonight's game, with the kick-off put back to 7-30pm. It's all pay with a standard admission charge of £3.

Leeds beat Luton 1-0 at Elland Road last night to complete a 3-1 aggregate victory in the other semi-final. They will host the first leg of the final.

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