Crystal Palace news: Franca scores in friendly win in Marbella

Matheus Franca scored the only goal as Crystal Palace defeated Norwegian side Hamarkameratene 1-0 in a mid-season friendly at the Marbella Football Center.

Oliver Glasner named two completely different XI’s for each half, with Franca’s goal coming courtesy of a fine left-footed volley from the edge of the penalty area just before the hour mark.

It was a first senior goal for Palace – albeit not in a competitive fixture – for 20-year-old Franca who only recently returned to action after 11 months absent with injury.

The Eagles’ Premier League fixture this weekend was postponed due to Newcastle’s involvement in the Carabao Cup final so Glasner and his team used the chance for a week of warm weather training in southern Spain before Thursday’s friendly.