Crystal Palace Cruises Past Doncaster in FA Cup Thriller
Okay, so Crystal Palace just booked their spot in the FA Cup fifth round, beating Doncaster Rovers 2-0 on Monday. A pretty comfortable win, you might think, given Palace are a Premier League team and Doncaster are in League Two. But honestly, it wasn't quite that straightforward.
Doncaster's Brave Start
Doncaster actually started really strongly! They tested Palace keeper Matt Turner early on, and veteran striker Billy Sharp even had a chance to score. It wasn't the most powerful shot, and Turner was up to the task, but that early pressure showed Doncaster weren’t just going to roll over.
But, as you’d expect, Palace’s superior skill eventually took over. A beautifully worked free-kick around the 31st minute led to their first goal. Daichi Kamada’s pass found Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose shot hit the post… perfectly setting up Daniel Muñoz for a simple tap-in. It was a bit of a lucky break, but you make your own luck, right?
Palace Seals the Deal
Doncaster threatened a comeback early in the second half – giving us all a little heart flutter – but their hopes were quickly dashed. Then, in the 55th minute, Justin Devenny, the Northern Ireland international, delicately chipped the ball over Doncaster’s keeper, Teddy Sharman-Lowe, after a gorgeous pass from Will Hughes. Game over.
The Stars of the Show
Muñoz and Devenny grabbed the goals, sure, but there were some real standout performances. Kamada’s creativity on that free-kick was key, showing off his amazing playmaking skills. And Hughes' pass for Devenny's goal? Pure class. On the other side, Doncaster’s Luke Molyneux, a player known for his goalscoring ability, gave Palace’s defense a real run for their money.
Palace’s Ben Chilwell, making his debut after a loan move from Chelsea, added some much-needed defensive solidity in the second half. And let’s not forget Matt Turner, whose solid goalkeeping ensured Palace kept a clean sheet. Doncaster’s Billy Sharp and Owen Bailey also put in a great shift, showcasing their determination despite the massive difference in league levels. You have to admire that fight.
Next Up: A South London Derby!
This win sets up a mouthwatering fifth-round tie against Millwall – another South London club – over the March 1-2 weekend. This isn't just any match; it's a repeat of a recent FA Cup clash. It’s going to be intense! And for Palace forward Romain Esse, it’s a reunion with his former club after his recent move from Millwall. That’ll add some extra spice, wouldn’t you say?
Crystal Palace’s FA Cup journey continues, and their fans will be buzzing for that upcoming clash against Millwall. The South London derby is going to be electric.
