July 29 2017

Wilfried Zaha

Crystal Palace's latest pre-season friendly ended in 1-1 draw against French side FC Metz.

Frank de Boer gave a first start to newcomer Jairo Riedewald in defence alongside Scott Dann.

There was also a start for teenage midfielder Jason Lokilo, as de Boer continued his trend of giving youth players a chance.

Palace hit the woodwork no less than 3 times during the first half - two headers from Christian Benteke, and a far post effort from Luka Milivojevic after a neat free kick from Lokilo.

So close to scoring just before half time #cpfc pic.twitter.com/JN287v4P22

— Holmesdale Online (@Holmesdale) July 29, 2017

In the second half Palace finally got on the score sheet when Andros Townsend picked out Wilfried Zaha on the far post, and his volley smashed past the Metz keeper.

Can't expect too much from a stream without announcers, but here's the Zaha goal. #COYP #CPFC pic.twitter.com/bVm7R9W5A8

— CPFCDC (@CrystalPalaceDC) July 29, 2017

Palace were denied a victory though 12 minutes from time when Ibrahima Niane raced through on goal, shrugging off the challenge of Martin Kelly, and stuck the ball in the top corner past Wayne Hennessey.

The Eagles' last pre-season friendly will be against FC Schalke 04 who come to Selhurst on the 5th August.

Palace: Hennessey, Milivojevic, Dann (Kelly 61), Riedewald (Tomkins 46), Townsend, Puncheon, Loftus-Cheek (Phillips 70), Van Aanholt (Schlupp 70), Lokilo (Kirby 61), Zaha, Benteke. Subs not used: Speroni, Ward, Delaney, Wan-Bissaka, Ladapo.

Metz: Didillon, Balliu (Rivierez 82), Bisevac, Falette, Assou-Ekotto, Diagne (Philipps 69), Poblete, Cohade, Nguette (Hein 28), Jouffre (Diallo 60), Roux (Niane 63). Subs not used: Kawashima, Niakhaté.