Half-Time Report: Dwight Gayle puts Crystal Palace ahead at half time

A first-half strike from Dwight Gayle has given Crystal Palace a 1-0 lead over West Bromwich Albion at half time in their FA Cup third-round tie.

© Getty Images

Saido Berahino created the game's first chance when he dribbled into space just outside of the box, before unleashing a wild shot that flew over the crossbar and into the fans behind the goal.

Palace hit back almost immediately as Barry Bannan crashed an effort against the left post having tried to convert from the edge of the six-yard box.

Matej Vydra looked to put the Baggies in front just after 15 minutes as the striker produced an effort with his right, but Julian Speroni was equal to it as he kept the ball away from danger.

However, it was Palace who drew first blood. Hiram Boateng fed Gayle outside of the area, allowing the striker to produce a left-footed shot that flew into the bottom-right corner to put the visitors 1-0 up.

Yannick Bolasie almost put Tony Pulis and his men 2-0 up late on in the second half when he dropped his shoulder before letting fly with a right-footed effort that was kept out by Ben Foster.