Jordan Ayew scored in successive matches for Crystal Palace as his late header on Saturday night gave his side a 1-0 win over Grimsby Town to reach the 3rd round of the English FA Cup.
Ayew scored the winner in the 86th minute after connecting to a brilliant cross from compatriot Jeffery Schlupp to sent the Eagles through to the next stage of the FA Cup.
Despite playing with an extra man for 88 minutes of the game following Andrew Fox’s VAR-assisted dismissal, it looked as though Roy Hodgson’s team would require a replay at Blundell Park despite peppering the Mariners’ goal throughout the contest, included striking the post three times.
However, in the 86th minute substitute Ayew popped up to head home the winner from a free-kick to net in successive games for the Eagles and squeeze past the League Two outfit.
The technology was being used at Selhurst Park for the first time, and just two minutes into the game it would affect the whole of the cup tie.
Grimsby’s efforts though were acknowledged by the strong near-20,000 crowd at full-time, with a large number staying behind to sportingly clap the fourth-tier side off the pitch as they came so close to earning a replay before Ayew settled matters.
The goal is Ayew’s second in Crystal Palace jersey and his second for the year after grabbing his debut goal against Wolves in the premier league in midweek.
