Palace hold on for Saints win

Posted Sunday, January 10, 2016 by foxsportsasia.com

Crystal Palace held off a late challenge from Southampton to record a 2-1 FA Cup third round victory over Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday.

Southampton 1-2 Crystal Palace

Ward scores on 29 minutes

Romeu equalises early into second half

Zaha nets the winner on 68 minutes

Hennessey makes string of late saves

Match Summary

In an evenly balanced game, Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey proved to be the difference with some outstanding second-half saves. Joel Ward pired Palace in front in the first half before Oriol Romeu equalised in the 51st minute.

However, it was Wilfried Zaha who had the last say, slotting home what would turn out to be the winning goal on 68 minutes.

Southampton will no doubt be disappointed not to have at least earned a replay from a game in which they had plenty of chances.

Full Report

The home team started the game strongly on a cold and wet afternoon down on the south coast, with visiting keeper Hennessey having some early work to do as he kept out Shane Long's second minute effort.

There was however not much goalmouth action to write home about until midway through the opening half when Damian Delaney did well to throw himself in front of a venomous strike by Oriol Romeu.

Palace were to draw first blood, just before the half hour mark, when Jason Puncheon won possession before playing in Joel Ward for a close range finish.

The Eagles were close to going 2-0 up on 39 minutes, but Scott Dann saw his glancing header going narrowly wide.

Southampton were back on level terms five minutes after the break when Romeu scored on the rebound after Hennessey had made the initial save.

Hennessey ensured there was not a second goal for the Saints when he denied Long on the hour mark before Palace regained the lead on 68 minutes through Wilfried Zaha, who was quickest to follow up after Maarten Stekelenburg had only been able to parry Puncheon's shot from 20-yards out.

Zaha looked to add another goal three minutes later after a scintillating run into the box, but his shot was blocked.

It was the London club however who had to hold off some severe late pressure from the hosts as Hennessey kept out Romeu's 88th minute header before José Fonte and Virgil van Dijk both struck the woodwork a minute later.

Hennessey was again called into action late in added time as he kept out James Ward-Prowse's free kick to ensure a safe passage into the fourth round for Allan Pardew's team.