Christian Benteke swoops as Crystal Palace break Sam Allardyce’s duck

Crystal Palace 2 Bolton 1: Crystal Palace secured the first win of Sam Allardyce’s reign as manager by progressing to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 replay defeat of Bolton last night.

An opening hour bereft of belief and James Henry’s goal for the visitors left Palace at risk of elimination to League One opposition, but two goals from substitute and club-record signing Christian Benteke eventually gave the manager his first win from six games.

They will host Manchester City in the next stage, but more important to Allardyce will have been overseeing his first victory since his appointment and the confidence he will hope they take into the Premier League.