FA Cup: Pardew’s Palace coast to maiden victory at Dover
DOVER ATHLETIC 0 CRYSTAL PALACE 4
NEW Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew hinted that the Eagles will adopt a more attacking approach under his stewardship after starting his Selhurst Park reign by comfortably navigating yesterday’s FA Cup third round tie at Dover.
Centre-half Scott Dann scored the first double of his career in the opening period while second-half strikes from forward duo Dwight Gayle and Kevin Doyle secured Palace’s first win since brushing aside Liverpool in November.
Pardew was appointed on Saturday following his departure from Newcastle and named first-team stars Wilfried Zaha, Gayle and Joe Ledley in a strong line-up against the Conference outfit, who headed into the clash on a 16-match unbeaten run.
“We have really good, honest players and their attitude, even before I arrived, was spot on. We just need to open our wings a bit and show we can play,” said Pardew.
“I know the heartbeat of the team, I know how it works. The chairman and I are looking to improve things on all levels but the honesty of the players will hopefully see us through.
“This is Crystal Palace’s day and I am pleased for the club. The fans showed one of the reasons why I have come here because their support today was phenomenal.
“We needed to show a bit of exuberance and a bit of class and the players used that instruction well. We never looked in trouble really and at any level that is very difficult to achieve.”
Dann arrived late at the back post to volley the first from Wilfried Zaha’s cross after just 10 minutes and the unmarked defender extended the Premier League side’s advantage with a header from a corner on 34 minutes. Gayle added a third when he made space with a stepover before rifling home at the near post and Doyle, making just his fifth appearance since joining in the summer, completed the rout by tapping in his first Palace goal three minutes from time.