Despite being stuck in traffic for so long they had no time to even check into their hotel for a pre-match meal, Richard Shaw’s side started quickest out of the blocks and would go on to dominate proceedings.
The Eagles had the lion’s share of chances in the first half, and Mutch should have netted the opening goal when he headed a chance over from just three yards out, and Freddie Ladapo also went close on a number of occasions as Bolton struggled to cope.
Right at the end of the first half, the visitors got the breakthrough when Jonny Williams sped into the area and was brought down, and Kirby coolly slotted the spot-kick home from 12 yards to hand his side a deserved half-time lead.
The opportunities continued to fall Shaw’s team way after the restart, and Ryan Inniss went close with a header but saw the Trotters keeper make a wonderful save from point-blank range, and minutes later Sam Woods had an almost identical chance but couldn’t score for the second consecutive game.
Williams then went close with a volley before the pressure told and Palace netted their second with 20 minutes to go. Levi Lumeka saw a chance saved by the goalkeeper and the ball came to Williams who saw his attempt blocked, but the ricochet fell to Mutch who showed good composure to side-foot into the corner to continue his fine goalscoring form in pre-season.
There were further chances for the scoreline to be more emphatic, with Lumeka going close on a couple of occasions late on, however the victory was never in doubt, despite the pre-match difficulties.
Palace: Henry, Phillips, Inniss, Woods, Lumeka, Williams, Mutch, Kirby (Flanagan 46), Wan-Bissaka, Ladapo (Coker 89), Anderson (McGregor 61). Subs not used: Funnell, Tavares.