JACK Stevens felt Oxford United took a big step towards being ready for the new season after facing Crystal Palace.

The goalkeeper was among the visitors’ top performers, saving a penalty from Jeffrey Schlupp early in the second half at Selhurst Park.

It preserved United’s lead, finished emphatically by Cameron Brannagan as the Sky Bet League One side controlled the opening 20 minutes.

But Palace, who put out a strong side packed with top-flight experience, went on to come out on top in the pre-season friendly.

Wilfried Zaha and James McArthur struck within three minutes to ensure they ran out 2-1 winners.

Match report: Crystal Palace 2, Oxford United 1

It inflicted a first defeat on Karl Robinson’s side, who had despatched non-league opposition in their first three warm-up games.

While Stevens admitted the U’s would have loved to at least finish on level terms, the main point of the exercise was accomplished.

He said: “It was different to the previous games we’ve been playing, it was a massive step up but I thought we did well.

“It was just a few sloppy mistakes playing out in the second half, but other than that I thought we did really well against a really good team.

“I thought we had good spells and threatened a lot.

“They’re a Premier League side but we’re still frustrated in there.

“We still would have liked to have got a draw out of the game, but we’ve done well and we’ll go into the next one full of confidence.

“We gave them a good run and they’re big boys in the Premier League.

“We’re happy with the performance.”

Stevens made a series of fine saves, but the highlight was the penalty, given for a foul by John Mousinho on Zaha.

While Schlupp’s spot kick lacked power, it was a confidence-booster for the United goalkeeper.

He said: “I just guessed the right way and thankfully I saved it.

“It’s always nice to save a penalty as a keeper.

“We love it and it worked for me today.”

Although United did not play their first friendly until last Friday, they now only have two more chances to fine tune before the season starts against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on September 5.

But after an intense return to training, Stevens reckons the squad are exactly where they need to be when it comes to their preparations.

“I think so – fitness-wise the lads are flying,” he said.

“This was a good performance which is what it’s all about in pre-season.

“I feel like just a few tactical things and we’ll be ready for the first game.”

United now turn their attention to Saturday’s friendly at home to Queens Park Rangers.