Marouane Chamakh's goal proved the difference as Crystal Palace edged into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-2 win against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium this afternoon.

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There was a half-chance for Palace almost immediately from kickoff as Joel Ward's free-kick from the right was cleared only as far as Wilfried Zaha, but the winger fired over.

Southampton went in front through Graziano Pelle, who bundled in after he got on the end of James Ward-Prowse's corner.

The visitors levelled just two minutes later, however, as Chamakh poked home after Yaya Sanogo's shot was spilled.

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It was an exciting opening period and the drama continued as the unfortunate Scott Dann put the ball into his own net to put Southampton back in front.

The home side might have tightened up for a spell given Chamakh's earlier goal but they did not learn from their mistake and Sanogo grabbed another swift equaliser for Palace with a neat finish from inside the box.

Steven Davis came close with an effort from distance for the hosts but Palace eventually edged in front for the first time in the match when Chamakh rounded Fraser Forster and slotted in for his second, capping a dramatic opening 45 minutes.

Palace picked up where they left off following the restart and Dann came close to making amends for his earlier own goal but he headed over from a corner.

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Southampton became increasingly frustrated as the half wore on and sent on Matt Targett and Shane Long as they looked for an equalising goal.

The latter burst forward after combining with Pelle and almost got a shot away before Joel Ward made a vital sliding block.

The Saints upped the ante in the final stages of the match but Palace defended well and eventually closed out the win.