Frank de Boer had another opportunity to see some of his first team squad members in this final friendly of pre-season for Richard Shaw’s development side.

Merstham were soon ahead after a surprise lead for the home side as striker Ibrahim Fofana broke the deadlock as he finished the 7th minute move with a low shot under Kleton Perntreou.

The non-league side had Dan Bennett to thank following his good work in the build-up before the ball was fired home.

The lead wasn’t held for too long as Palace were awarded a penalty after Sullay Kaikai was fouled by goalkeeper, Chris Haigh. The same player got up to take the spot kick but even though that was saved, he had the opportunity of putting the ball into an empty net to level the score from the rebound.

On 25 minutes Chung yong-Lee had a good opportunity to put the visitors ahead but as he got on the end of a cross from the left side of play but his shot went just over the bar.

Palace dominated the latter stages of the half and the scorer had a chance to go into the break to get his team an advantage as his shot went just over the bar from the edge of the box.

Seven minutes into the second period and the referee awarded another penalty but this time it was for the non-league side.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was adjudged to have committed the foul inside the box and former Palace striker, Ryan Hall, made no mistake from the spot to once again give the advantage to the hosts.

A save by each keeper kept that lead as Palace sub, Dion Henry, made a good save to stop a third whilst at the other end Haigh denied Freddie Ladapo and the impressive Wan Bissaka.

It wasn’t long though before Ladapo did get his goal as just past the hour mark Williams won possession before setting Jordon Mutch free and his run finished by finding the striker, who made no mistake by firing the ball into the bottom corner.

The fifth goal of the night was to be the decider as a late free kick from Kian Flanagan was touched into the net by substitute Michael Phillips in the final minute to give Palace victory at The Moatside ground.

Palace team: Perntreou (Dion-Henry),Tomkins, Kelly, Delaney; Wan-Bissaka, Schlupp; Williams (Flanagan), Husin (Phillips),Kaikai (Mutch), Lee (McGregor), Ladapo (Trialist).

Sub not used: Hungbo.