FA Cup

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FA Cup | Third Round

Jan 4, 2015 at 1pm UK

Dover Athletic Dover Athletic
0-4
Crystal Palace

FT(HT: 0-2)

Dann (10', 34'), Gayle (68'), Doyle (88')

Alan Pardew off to winning start as Crystal Palace boss

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 04 January 2015

Alan Pardew gets off to a winning start as Crystal Palace manager with a 4-0 victory over Dover Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup.

Alan Pardew's first match as Crystal Palace manager ended in a 4-0 victory over Dover Athletic in the FA Cup third round at the Crabble Athletic Ground.

Two goals from defender Scott Dann and second-half strikes from Dwight Gayle and Kevin Doyle gave the Premier League Eagles a comprehensive victory against their non-league opponents.

Scott Dann of Crystal Palace celebrates his second goal during to the FA Cup third round match between Dover Athletic and Crystal Palace at the Crabble Athletic ground on January 4, 2015 © Getty Images

Palace made a strong start, with Glenn Murray forcing Dover goalkeeper Andy Rafferty into a save in the opening two minutes. Barry Bannan then forced Rafferty into a routine stop at his near post.

The Londoners continued their early pressure, Rafferty making stops from Stuart O'Keefe and Murray before Dann gave them the lead in the 10th minute.

Wilfried Zaha's cross was flicked on for the defender at the back post and he made it 1-0 with a close-range volley.

Dann missed a chance to make it 2-0 shortly after, but made amends 10 minutes before the break when he powered home Bannan's corner to double Palace's lead.

Dwight Gayle of Palace scores to make it 3-0 during the FA Cup Third Round match between Dover Athletic and Crystal Palace on January 4, 2015 © Getty Images

Rafferty was called into action seven minutes after the break when he had to tip Doyle's shot over the bar from a corner.

O'Keefe was then played in on goal by Zaha, but the midfielder blazed his effort over the crossbar when he had the chance to make the game safe.

Palace found their third goal in the 68th minute through Gayle. The striker drove into the Dover box and fired a precise finish beyond Rafferty into the bottom corner.

Doyle added a fourth from close range with two minutes remaining as Palace secured their spot in the next round in comfortable fashion and got Pardew's reign off to an ideal start.