Oliver Glasner pleased with Crystal Palace’s performance in FA Cup win at Doncaster

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner was pleased with his side’s professional performance as they knocked Doncaster out of the FA Cup to set up a last-16 clash against rivals Millwall.

The Eagles struggled to create any real openings for the first 30 minutes but quickly broke the deadlock after the half-hour mark when Jean-Philippe Mateta collected a Daichi Kamada free-kick and struck the post. The ball fell to Daniel Munoz and he reacted quickest to tap in the rebound.

League Two Doncaster went close to equalising with one minute of normal time remaining when Luke Molyneux, who has scored 13 goals for Grant McCann’s side this season, cut in from the right-hand side and ripped a left-footed effort wide of Matt Turner’s post.

Justin Devenny should have doubled Palace’s lead three minutes into the second half when Mateta crossed low and along the face of Teddy Sharman-Lowe’s goal. However, the Northern Irish youngster was unable to apply the finishing touch.

Devenny made no mistake in the 56th minute when he latched onto Will Hughes’ ball over the top of the Doncaster defence and lifted the ball beyond Sharman-Lowe to score.

Molyneux went close again with 15 minutes of normal time remaining, cutting inside and curling a shot just inches over Turner’s crossbar.

But Palace kept their clean sheet and booked their place in the last 16.

Glasner’s side will take on South London rivals Millwall in the next round.

“I’m pleased with the performance,” said Glasner.

“We controlled the game over the first 60 minutes and we didn’t give them anything – they had one shot in the first half.

“We didn’t create so much, but that’s a credit to Doncaster – it’s a good match plan. 

“We needed a set-play and everything worked. They changed their system in the second half and it made it harder for us in the deep build-up.

“But we got more chances. We missed one or two straight after half-time.

“But I don’t want to be so critical today because we had so many positives as well. 

“Adam Wharton played 60 minutes after a long injury – he was excellent. It was planned for him to 45 minutes but he did so great and felt well, so we did 60.

“Even then, he wanted to play more. Ben Chiwell had his debut and Romain Esse had more minutes.

“It’s important for them. I’m really pleased too that Matheus Franca got a few minutes after nine or 10 months of being injured. 

“Winning 2-0, having a clean sheet and with all this individual positive aspect, I’m really pleased with this evening.”

PICTURE: ALAMY