Adama Traore scores first domestic goal since December 2019 as Wolves beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup

Wolverhampton Wanderers are into the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Molineux.

Adama Traore’s first-half strike won it for Wolves with his first domestic goal since December 2019.

It was some strike too, thundered into the back of the net with his left-boot having drifted in from the right wing.

And while it was progression in an important tournament for manager Nuno Espirito Santo, he will be frustrated his side didn’t score more and put the tie out of sight earlier.

Their opponents were on the back-foot from the first whistle and with striker Raul Jimenez looking like being absent for a fair bit longer, it may only be a matter of time before their profligacy costs them a match.

Luckily, Palace, who had Wilfried Zaha on the bench, barely seemed intent on having the ball, let alone attacking.

The hosts were, from the off, the team in possession of the ball but there was very little action in the opening 15 minutes at either end.

Fabio Silva was the first to spurn a great chance, following good work by Pedro Neto, while Eberechi Eze had a chance too.

Traore was then in the thick of the action for Wolves striking the side netting and then seeing an effort saved by Jack Butland.

And continuing the theme of the night, Nelson Semedo and Leander Dendoncker also had shots on goal.

It’s no surprise the back of the net was soon rustling thanks to a man in the Old Gold.

After a switch to the right flank from Ruben Neves, Traore found himself in acres of space and soon he was racing towards the box.

Eze was easily beaten by the winger and before Jairo Riedewald could get close to him the Spain international had smashed the ball beyond Butland.

Cheikhou Kouyate replaced Mamadou Sakho at the back for Palace but it was very much more of the same at Molineux.
Silva missed another header, while Dendoncker forced another saved from Butland.

Traore, though, limped off, which will be of concern to manager Espirito Santo.

Neto shot wide as Wolves looked for another goal to seal the victory