Early Eberechi Eze strike sends Crystal Palace through to round three

Eberechi Eze’s early effort made the difference as Crystal Palace beat League One Stockport 1-0 in their third-round FA Cup clash at Selhurst Park.

Oliver Glasner made five changes to the Palace side that drew with Chelsea on January 4th, but still fielded a strong starting 11, including the England international.

Eze fired Palace in front in the fourth minute and the hosts dominated possession, though both sides had their chances to make a difference to the scoreline.

The visitors remained in it and indeed manufactured more shots on target than their Premier League opponents, who held on to secure a victory perhaps less comfortable than they would have envisioned. 

The opener was facilitated by a pass from Daichi Kamada that was initially blocked by Odin Bailey, but the ball fell to Eze to fire low past visiting goalkeeper Corey Addai.

Stockport came close to levelling when Isaac Olaofe cut across to Kyle Wootton on the edge of the Eagles’ 18-yard box, but was denied by a late Marc Guehi touch.

American keeper Matt Turner – making just his second Palace start since signing on loan from Nottingham Forest – was called into action for the first time by Callum Camps, whose low effort was comfortably saved.

The visitors had another chance shortly after the half hour, Wootton nodding on to Olaofe, whose own headed attempt was claimed by Turner.

Eze tried again, this time flicking towards the back post, where Addai claimed the England international’s effort.

Ibou Touray then looked to set up Wootton, who got his head to it but nodded over.

The Palace threat continued to come primarily from Eze, who flashed across the face of goal where Daniel Munoz also was unable to connect.

Palace were back on the front foot after the