Joe Ledley targets Crystal Palace cup success

Criticised in forthright terms by Alan Pardew, the Palace manager, after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur, in which he was substituted at half-time, Zaha responded with a dynamic display of tireless running and ambitious attacking that wore down a hardworking Charlton Athletic side.

But Palace wrapped up their win with another Gayle penalty nine minutes later, after Diarra was dismissed for fouling Patrick Bamford.

“The club have been doing everything right and it would be nice to see how we did”.

“The draw has been kind to us so far, we’ve had two home games and we are in the last 16”.

Palace, who now sit 8th in the league, failed to record a single shot on target before the interval and appeared to be growing frustrated by the Addicks’ admirable defence.

And Wales worldwide Ledley spoke highly of Gayle after the match, insisting he is a fantastic finisher.

Things could have been very different for Pardew had he somehow managed to keep Charlton in the Premier League, despite looking dead and buried when he assumed control at The Valley. But much to his frustration, his defence continued to give the Charlton faithful palpitations.

Guy Luzon’s men were markedly better after the interval when for the first time they enjoyed their own spell of possesion.

“I just think that it is a game which is important for both sets of fans”, he said.

“Adrian Mariappa has just got his body there, it would have been a little bit harsh”.

He explained: “It is part and parcel of the game”.

With Palace playing against obliging opponents, fringe players had a great chance to stake their claim for a regular starting berth in the side.

Meanwhile, Palace’s reward for their win on Wednesday is a fourth round tie with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

“The whole squad pushes each other and that’s what you need – hopefully now we can get back to our form in the league”.