Crystal Palace Reserves continued their 100% unbeaten start to their Totesport.com Combination campaign with a 4-2 win over Aldershot Reserves at the EBB Stadium.
Manager Ronnie Jepson fielded a side that saw the return of Jack Holland to the starting line-up in place of Dan Pringle at centre half.
Lee Hills, who travelled with the first team squad to Leicester on Tuesday night was named as captain and lined up alongside Holland, Jerry Nnamani and Charlie Holness in the back four.
James Comley shared the middle of the park with Hakeem Adelakun, Ryan Smith and Kieran Djiali occupied the wings, while Nathaniel Pinney and Kieron Cadogan headed up the attack.
The first half proved to be a turgid affair with neither side able to establish any sort of dominance on the proceedings. Passes were stray and both sides struggled to maintain any momentum, resulting in a notable lack of chances.
But the home side, directed to play the ball out of the back by caretaker assistant manager Paul Williams, took the lead early on when John Grant burst down the left flank, closely monitored by Holland.
As the Palace centre half attempted to make the tackle Grant knocked it away from him and drew the foul. There was no doubt that it was a penalty.
He then stepped up to take it and converted it low down to Darryl Flahavan's right.
Parity was restored when Palace finally strung a series of passes together that allowed Djilali to take on and beat his marker on the right flank before playing a low ball across the six yard box for Cadogan to tap in.
Cadogan then turned provider for Palace's second when he closed down Aldershot's centre half and blocked his clearance into the path of Pinney.
The in form striker needed no encouragment in closing in on goal and calmly playing the ball past the keeper.
In the second half Palace were much improved, with their passing and movement far superior to that of the first.
But they still managed to relinquish their lead on 54 minutes when Grant was allowed the time and space on the edge of the box to curl a super effort round Flahavan. There was a hint of controversy about the goal as there appeared to be a handball in the build up play that referee, Mr B Malone waved away.
Nevertheless, Palace regained their advantage on the hour mark when a piercing long ball from Hills was met by Cadogan with a first time flick over the keeper.
Ronnie Jepson's side sealed the win 26 minutes from time when Ryan Smith squared up his defender on the left flank, cut in on his right and used his pace to give himself some shooting room before curling his shot past the keeper and into the far corner.
Palace Reserves are next in action on Wednesday 28th October when they travel to the krbs Priestfield to play Gillingham Reserves. Further details about the match will be available closer to the time.
For a full fixture list and table click here.
