In the second meeting between our English and American teams it was Peter Taylor's side who looked the most lively in the first half.  The first real chance came after six minutes when debutant Paul Dickov's shot was well saved by Brian Rowland following good work from another recent signing, Austrian Besian Idrizaj.

Palace USA passed and moved well, but ultimately couldn't find the killer pass and it was former U20 Canadian international Brian Rowland who kept them in the game as our English side peppered the American goal.

However, that all changed in the 28th minute when Butterfield's corner found the head of Matt Lawrence who put Palace 1-0 up.

The game ebbed and flowed until half time with Palace USA showing good work around the box, although Gary Brooks, their prolific marksman couldn't find the chance to take the teams in level.

The USA came running out of the blocks in the second half, passing well but couldn't find the final pass.  However, it was Palace UK who had the opening chance of the second half in the 52nd minute when Paul Dickov could only shoot over following a good run.

USA co-managers Jim Cherneski and Pete Medd pushed their men forward in hope of finding an equaliser and Jarrod Smith, the New Zealand international forward, nearly scored with his first touch in the 64th minute, but Flinders smothered well.

In the 67th minute Besian Idrizaj found himself with a free header in the box following a free-kick, but could only head over.  The best chance of the match for Palace USA fell to Gary Brooks in the 77th minute but could only see his shot smothered by Scott Flinders after Tom Soares had given away possession.

Two chances fell to Jeff Hughes in the 84th minute in quick succession when Rowland saved well from his shot, following good work down the left and his free-kick just moments later just shaved the post.

In the 90th minute, a right-wing cross from Paul Dickov flashed across the six-yard box to Charlie Sheringham, who only had to touch it in, but the pace of the cross deceived him.

Palace: Flinders, Lawrence © (Cort, 45), Craig, Freedman, Idrizaj (Morrison, 74), Soares, Butterfield, Martin (Sheringham, 74), Dickov, Fonte, Hughes

Subs not used: Speroni, Hudson, Wilkinson

Palace USA: Rowland, Ughiovhe (dos Anjos, 45), Kante ©, Marshall, Harkin, Urquijo, Flores (Smith, 63), Mbuta, Alcala (Lewis, 45), Brooks, Harada

Subs not used: Moumban