Jamie Smith celebrated winning his first professional contract by sealing a 2-0 home success over MK Dons.

The midfielder, who was last week handed a full professional deal alongside left-footed Ryan Carolan, added to Ben Kudjodji's 10th-minute opener with a goal two minutes from time to clinch victory at the Beckenham Training Ground on Saturday morning.

It was the Under 18s' first game in three weeks due to the Easter break. 

Last week was decision day for the club's second-year scholars and there was also good news for centre back Aaron Dalhouse and midfielder Billy Bingham, who have been offered six-month deals on a non-contractual basis.    

Joe Sweeney, meanwhile, has been released. 

Under 18 coach Gary Issott explained the contract situation. He said: "It is always a difficult time of the year and whatever players we have had here we thank for their hard work and hope they can still get a future in football.

"We, as a club, help as much as we can to get released players a contract elsewhere.

"This year, we've only had to tell Joe Sweeney that he is surplus to requirements. It is a shame for Joe, a left midfielder, but it is a strong group and there was a lot of competition for him.

"Jamie Smith is a diminutive attacking central midfielder in the mould of Eyal Berkovic. He is very clever and improved after a frustrating first year. He started this season well and, up until Christmas, his form was electric.

"Unfortunately he missed much of the second half of the season following surgery to repair knee cartialge, and had he been fit for the Fourth Round clash at Leicester, we could well have progressed further in the FA Youth Cup.

"Ryan is an Irish youth international who had a fantastic first year but struggled this term with injuries, which resulted in him missing big parts of the season. He is a left-footed player who can play at centre back or in central midfield .

"At 6 foot 1 inch he is also a tall presence and has good skill on the ball. Unfortunately he had a hernia operation last month and won't play again until next season."

Palace 2 MK Dons 0

Palace: Thorp, Abnett (Nnamani 85), Clyne, Comley, Edwards, Dalhouse, Cadogan (Djilali 70), Smith, Kudjodji, Dayton (Adelakun 60), Noble.

Subs not used: Randall, Goldsmith.

Goals: Kudjodji (10), Smith (88).