January 5 2003

Trevor Francis

Trevor Francis admitted Palace rode their luck a little in their 2-1 FA Cup win over Blackpool on Saturday.

Blackpool took a first half lead thanks to an own goal from Tony Popovic. But Tommy Black's two goals in the second half put the Eagles through to the fourth round.

Francis said: "My lads knew they had been in a game today. I made some changes at half-time and the introduction of Akinbiyi gave us more options up front.

"Blackpool played some excellent football and we were lucky at times.

"We gave them their goal on a plate because we can't defend corners and that is something we need to attend to quickly."

Blackpool boss Steve McMahon said: "We played well and passed the ball well until the whole team had to be shaken up because of the injury to Chris Clarke.

"It was very much a makeshift back four after that and Palace took advantage of it.

"I have no complaints. It was a good tie and we made them fight every inch for victory."

In Depth FA Cup 2002/03