Goals from Daniel Munoz and Justin Devenny saw Crystal Palace through to the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-0 win on Doncaster.
Eagles avoided a disturbance over Eco-Power Stadium to create a home-tying against Millwall, despite struggling to create chances against a well-organized rovers that failed to get the most out of their own options.
Colombia Wing-Back Munoz eventually made the breakdown from a well-worked free kick before northern Ireland’s international Devenny set the game beyond reach early in the second half.
Rovers were first to get an effort on goal as good work down the left of James Maxwell and Luke Molyneux led Billy Sharp to put the ball off for Ethan Ennis, whose tame shot from the edge of the area was comfortably saved by Matt Turner.
Palace went ahead with their first chance to note in the 31st minute. Daichi Kamada’s wise low free kick found Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose shot the cannon back from the post but left Munoz with a simple tap-in.
Rovers continued to keep their own and Molyneux and Rob Street combined to find Sharp whose shots at turns were held by Turner.
Oliver Glasner brought Ben Chilwell half-time to his palace debut when England’s full back played his first minutes since he appeared as a replacement for Chelsea in a Carabao Cup tag against Barrow in September.
Ben Chilwell debuted in Crystal Palace from the bench vs. Doncaster in FA Cup
Like League Two Promotion Chasers seemed to build some momentum, Palace launched a 55th minute break, and Hughes played a smart ball over the top to allow Devenny to convert a second.
Doncaster could have withdrawn one back on the hour mark, but Molyneux shot right against Turner after being smartly played by Sharp, but now bends out of the competition.
Glasner: We can win the FA Cup
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glassner:
“As long as you are in the competition you can win it. We will go after it. I don’t know if it will work, but we will definitely go after it.
“I’m happy with the performance. Over the first 60 minutes, I think we checked the game and gave them nothing.
Oliver Glasner has claimed his side has every chance to win the FA Cup
“We didn’t create that much; credit to Doncaster, they had a good match plan and it was difficult to find space.”
When South London rivals Millwall in the next round, Glasner added: “I could feel the tension in the dressing room.
“It makes this game even bigger than it is – against any other team is the goal and the goal the same, to win the game and get into the quarterfinals.”
McCann: I’m proud of my players
Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann:
“I’m proud of the players, proud of the performance.
“We had a few moments. The second goal we don’t admit in league two – it’s just the Premier League quality.
“The city can be proud of the players tonight.”