Huddersfield Town’s Under-21 side made it third time lucky in the semi-final of the Professional Development League’s play-off semi-finals as they beat Crystal Palace 5-3 at Selhurst Park after extra time.
Town, who had been beaten in the previous two seasons at the last four stage, had an extra time double-strike from Jake Charles and to thank as they reached the final.
The tie went into extra time after it was 3-3 after 90 minutes.
Jack Boyle gave Frankie Bunn’s side a flying start when he fired in a 20-yard free-kick off the underside of the bar in the seventh minute.
Keeper Lloyd Allinson had to be alert to deal with an effort by Reise Allassani before Holmes came close for Town.
Town’s Flo Bojaj shot narrowly wide, then Allinson smothered a Keshi Anderson header.
Palace keeper Chris Kettings thwarted Phil Billing, and the home equaliser arrived after 40 minutes, when midfielder Kyle De Silva cut in and drove home a shot from the edge of the area.
Having held Palace to just the one first-half goal, Town regained the lead early in the second half, when Sondre Tronstad shot home, but De Silva equalised again with a close-range finish in the 70th minute.
Duane Holmes put Town ahead for the third time in the 82nd minute, only for Sullay Kaikai to level it at 3-3 and force extra time.
The other semi-final is between Nottingham Forest and Swansea at the City Ground tonight (7pm).
Town: Allinson, Wilkinson, Senior, Tronstad, Wright, W Boyle, D Holmes, Billing, J Boyle, Bojaj, Pyke.
Subs: Coughlan, Charles, Booty, Kane, Wilczynski.
