Hampton & Richmond Borough took on the brightest U21s that Premier League Crystal Palace had to offer on Monday night and came up just short.

Despite a credible display, in which Billy Jeffreys fired the Beavers in front, Paul Barry and Darren Powell's men had to make do with a 2-1 defeat.

The first proper chance of note came after eight minutes when Matt Reece found himself played through by James Simmonds but his shot was beaten away for a corner.

Both teams appeared to want to play an attacking expansive game, with the Beavers looking threatening on the break with chances falling to both sides.

Eagle Elijah Gabsi forced another save from Rodney Chiweshe, before Charlie Moone held off pressure from two defenders to hit a shot straight at Ross Fitzsimons in the Palace goal.

On 27 minutes, the deadlock was broke as a Simmonds free kick near the corner flag was met, practically unmarked, by Jeffreys.

Just before half time, the young Eagles won a free kick themselves, just outside the Hampton area.

Luke Croll clipped a lazy, deliberate shot, which beat Chiweshe but hit the angle of post and bar.

The second half was more Palace but Hampton were not in any way over-awed, but they were nearly made to pay just 10 minutes into the half as Ishmail H'maidat struck a free kick from the edge of the box and he too hit the frame of the goal.

However, five minutes later, the Eagles showed their quality as substitute Mandela Egbo beat two players to fire an accurate pass across goal for Derek Tieku to side-foot it home from close range.

The Beavers were starting to be given the run around, but the defence held firm - firm enough for George Wells to stride forward and clip a shot which was deflected wide.

As the game entered the final 20 minutes, the hope was growing that perhaps the Beavers could gain the draw, but Matthew Harriott had other ideas.

He picked up a pass just outside the centre circle, he struck a powerful shot from 35 yards that beat Chiweshe all ends up.

Beavers Jordan Rocastle had a gilt-edged opportunity to level, but he could not beat the Palace keeper from about 10 yards, when through one-on-one.

Hampton & Richmond Borough host Margate this weekend in the opening salvo of the Ryman Premier League.