A 10-minute second-half burst by Somerset where they netted three quick goals enabled them to land the Crystal Palace Youth Cup in the curtain-raiser at the National Stadium yesterday.

The win capped off a fine season by the young Trojans, who succeeded in capturing the Bantam version of the triple crown with the latest Cup the final jewel to be added to a cabinet already containing the Bantam and League Shields.

However, BAA gave a good account of themselves and held a well-deserved lead at half-time on the strength of a 35th-minute strike by Steven Carruthers.

Carruthers was handed the chance by Somerset's usually reliable sweeper Jazine Smith, whose misplaced pass out of the defence went directly to Carruthers at the edge of the penalty area and he gladly accepted the gift, slotting the ball past a stunned Ian Bascome in goal.

Taking advantage of a strong wind at their backs, the youthful Green Knights were able to control much of the first half, frustrating their more fancied opponents. Paul Franco was a dominant force in midfield with most attacks originating through him.

It took Somerset two minutes to equalise after the break and it was substitute Jahi Butterfield who was on hand to apply the finishing touches.

Butterfield used his fresh legs to latch on to a long ball up the middle and blow past his defender before placing an angled shot past goalkeeper Stephen Pett.

Still recovering from this setback, BAA found themselves a goal down in the 49th minute. The ever alert Tucker intercepted a pass by the Pett that was held up in the strong winds and he battled through two tackles, eventually toe-poking the ball over the line.

The west-end team were now in full flow, rarely allowing their opponents passage out of their own half. The BAA forwards saw little action while the defence of Danny Faria, Frank Brewster, Triston Abend and Chris Pett were made to battle against the odds.

Tucker, Johnny Best and skipper Lamaul Crofton were able to attack at will, never allowing the opposition a moment's rest. Keon Simmons also stood out in midfield, his probing runs always dangerous.

Tucker made excellent use of pace to outstrip his marker and create a free run on goal 57 minutes into the match. Pett did well to block the initial shot, but was helpless as the rebound bounced back to Tucker, who made no mistake the second time around.

A hard, low free kick by Franco from 18 yards caused problems for Bascome as he had to use his legs to prevent the shot getting past him. And at the other end Pett again showed his mettle, blocking another invasion by Tucker.

Crofton rounded out the scoring as the final whistle blew, netting a header off a right-wing corner by Best to trigger the celebrations.