January 8 2018

Bakary Sako

Crystal Palace were knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle after a 2-1 loss at Brighton.

Roy Hodgson's changed side didn't have enough to see off their arch rivals as former striker Glenn Murray came off the bench to grab a late winner.

Brighton bossed the first half possession and Wayne Hennessey needed to be on his toes to push away a Solly March header, though Palace later responded with a Bakary Sako effort saved by Tim Krul.

Jeffrey Schlupp added his name to Palace's lengthy injury list by hobbling off in the 13th minute with Pape Souare coming in for him at left back.

And in the 25th minute, the home side took the lead through Dale Stephens who thumped home a near-post shot that Hennessey failed to keep out.

Palace were better after the break and drew level in the 69th minute with a superb Bakary Sako rocket from 25 yards that went in off the post for his fifth goal of the season.

The Seagulls were inches away from scoring again, but Sam Baldock's shot struck the upright and Beram Kayal then lashed well over.

With the tie heading for a replay at Selhurst Park, substitute Murray grabbed the winner with three minutes to go. Olly March's free-kick was headed across goal by Uwe Huenemeier and Murray brushed the ball in off his knee.

In the first competitive match in England to use the video assistant referee (VAR), the Palace players felt referee Andre Mariner should have used it after claiming the ball went in off Murray's arm.

However the goal stood, and with no more cup games ahead, Palace will now focus on retaining survival in the Premier League.

Brighton: Krul, Schelotto, Goldson, Hunemeier, Bong, March, Stephens (Propper 61), Kayal, Izquierdo, Brown (Baldock 6), Hemed (Murray 81).

Not used: Maenpaa, Rosenior, Skalak, Dunk.

Palace: Hennessey, Fosu-Mensah, Kelly, Delaney, Schlupp (Souare 13), Townsend (Kaikai 45), Cabaye, McArthur, Riedewald, Van Aanholt, Sako.

Not used: Speroni, Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Milivojevic, Lee.

2017/18 match reports

2017/18 squad stats

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