Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Crystal Palace: Schlupp and Meyer score

He may be the oldest manager in the history of the Premier League, but Roy Hodgson has found FA Cup success rather hard to come by over the years.

Before this difficult fifth round tie at the Keepmoat, Hodgson had only reached the quarter-finals on two occasions – with Fulham in 2009 and 2010 – in a managerial career spanning more than four decades and six English clubs. He has never ventured beyond that stage.

On the day that he overtook Sir Bobby Robson as the most senior of Premier League manages at the age of 72 years and 192 days, Hodgson steered Crystal Palace into the last eight after first-half goals from Jeffrey Schlupp and Max Meyer secured a comfortable win over Doncaster Rovers. 

Jeffrey Schlupp fired Crystal Palace into the lead after only eight minutes against Doncaster Rovers 

Schlupp evaded the challenge of Alfie May before lashing Palace ahead with a fierce left-footed strike 

Max Meyer doubled Palace’s lead shortly before half-time from close range after neat work by Andros Townsend

Meyer was quick to celebrate with Townsend as Premier League side Palace asserted their authority on proceedings 

The League One club were bidding to reach the quarters for the first time, having appeared in the fifth round for the first time in 63 years, but it was not be as Grant McCann’s side suffered their first home defeat since October.

Doncaster had their moments, not least by forcing 11 corners, but Palace reached the quarter-final for only the second time in 24 years following their run to the final under Alan Pardew in 2016.

Hodgson made six changes from the team that last played in the Premier League against West Ham with Michy Batshuayi making his first start since arriving on loan from Chelsea.

But Doncaster’s hopes of an upset were extinguished with goals at either end of the first half. The first arrived in the eight minute and owed much to a fine interception by Luka Milivojevic inside his own half. The Palace captain lunged to win the ball and was quickly back on his feet to release Schlupp down the left. Schlupp accelerated away and burst past Paul Downing before trying his luck from 20 yards. The shot took a slight deflection off Downing’s legs and that was enough to take the ball past goalkeeper Marko Marosi.

The second goal arrived moments after the one minute added on by referee Mike Dean at the end of the first half had elapsed. Andros Townsend had just sent Meyer in behind the Doncaster defence when the two players combined once again. Milivojevic was involved once more, dinking a lovely pass over the top of the home defence for Townsend to run onto. The former England winger decided to take it first time and headed across goal for the unmarked Meyer to score with a downward header from close-range.

It could have been worse for the League One side after Dean and his assistants decided not to make more of two handball incidents in the first half. First, Danny Andrew appeared to move his left arm towards Scott Dann’s header, brushing the ball as it flew past the post. 

Then, Paul Downing clearly blocked the ball with his left arm as he slid in to intercept Patrick van Aanholt’s pass from the bye-line after the Dutchman had made a great run forward on the overlap to latch onto Townsend’s throughball. Downing held his face in a ridiculous attempt to fool Dean who had a good view of the incident, although the absence of VAR here meant here was no opportunity for a second look. 

Palace manager Roy Hodgson handed a start to loan striker Michy Batshuayi against League One side Doncaster 

He lined up alongside Jordan Ayew in Palace’s attack – Ayew is pictured trying to fend off Doncaster’s Matty Blair

Batshuayi had an opening to score in the second half but a poor touch allowed Marko Marosi to smother the chance 

Doncaster had their moments without ever seriously testing Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey before half-time. Their best hope of a breakthrough seemed to be set-pieces, but six corners came and went without enough quality on the delivery to cause Palace problems.

Martin Kelly got his head in the way of a promising effort from another Liverpool lad, Herbie Kane on loan from Anfeld, and Joel Ward was forced into an excellent clearance header from Andrew’s cross, while Alfie May sent another effort swerving wide from 20 yards.

The second goal would have floored many lower league teams but Doncaster emerged for the second half with renewed spirit. Again, with a little more quality they could easily have pushed Palace closer but squandered a number of opportunities, including their best chance in the 51st minute.

Hennessey, a much busier figure after half-time, was forced into an awkward save from Ben Whiteman to concede another corner.

Doncaster midfield player Herbie Kane – on loan at the club from Liverpool – controls the ball under pressure from Townsend

Hodgson surveys the scene as his Palace side faced an enthusiastic Doncaster crowd at the Keepmoat Stadium

Doncaster manager Grant McCann was unable to inspire his side to a surprise win over prestigious opponents 

Alister Crawford drove it in with more purpose and Downing got on the end of it to guide the ball goalwards. May sensed his opportunity but would have been better off leaving it for top scorer John Marquis at the back post rather than turning his close-range header over the bar.

Palace were always going to pose a threat on the break and Batshuayi could have scored a third when he raced clear onto Townsend’s clever pass in the 72nd minute, but his first touch was too heavy and Marosi was able to come out and block. The Belgian, who went head over heels over a perimeter hoarding while attempting a back-heel in the first half, was replaced by Christian Benteke shortly afterwards at the end of a disappointing full debut.

Hodgson’s side were able to see out the remaining minutes comfortably and now go into the hat for the quarter-final draw on Monday night.