Bromley 3-0 Crystal Palace was the final score at Hayes Lane as Pierre Sage suffered his first defeat since taking charge at Selhurst Park. Victor Adeboyejo struck twice before Nicke Kabamba completed a difficult afternoon for the Eagles.
Sage named a competitive first-half side featuring Walter Benitez, Jaydee Canvot, Will Hughes, Romain Esse and Justin Devenny.
Palace created the better chances before the break but failed to make them count. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi raced through on goal before losing his footing at the vital moment.
Matheus França also rounded goalkeeper Shamal George, but a heavy touch took him too wide to finish. Bromley defended well enough to reach half-time with the match goalless.
The Evening Standard match report confirmed Sage changed his entire side at the interval. Eddie Nketiah, Brennan Johnson, Borna Sosa, Cheick Doucouré and Tyrick Mitchell were among those introduced.
Bromley 3-0 Crystal Palace after second-half collapse
Bromley broke the deadlock shortly after the hour mark through summer signing Adeboyejo.
George’s long goal kick travelled beyond the Palace defence and released the striker. Adeboyejo reached the ball before Joe Whitworth and lifted his finish over the young goalkeeper.
Palace should have equalised soon afterwards. Nketiah delivered a low cross towards 17-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas, but the academy forward placed his close-range attempt wide.
That miss proved costly when Bromley doubled their lead from the penalty spot. Doucouré brought down Ethon Archer inside the area before Adeboyejo converted to claim his second goal.
Nketiah struck the crossbar during a goalmouth scramble as Palace continued searching for a response. However, the Eagles were unable to turn their possession into a goal.
Kabamba completed the scoring late on, heading home from close range to secure an impressive derby victory for Andy Woodman’s side.
Palace brought back down to earth
The defeat followed Palace’s 5-1 victory over Swindon Town in Sage’s opening pre-season match.
ReadCrystalPalace previously covered how Matheus França scored a hat-trick in the Swindon win. The Brazilian was unable to build on that performance despite receiving another opportunity at Hayes Lane.
Sage will be concerned by Palace’s finishing and how easily Bromley exploited space after the interval. However, pre-season remains focused on fitness, experimentation and giving minutes to players at different stages of their preparation.
Bromley 3-0 Crystal Palace still represents an early setback. The Eagles created enough opportunities to score, but their wastefulness and defensive mistakes allowed the League One side to record a convincing victory.
Palace will now prepare for the Como Cup as Sage continues assessing his squad before the competitive season begins.
