Puncheon confident Palace will build on FA Cup win
Jason Puncheon is convinced Crystal Palace’s FA Cup third round replay win will be a springboard to launch them up the Premier League table.
Christian Benteke came off the bench to notch a double for Palace as they came from behind to beat League One Bolton Wanderers 2-1.
It was a Sam Allardyce’s first win since taking charge just before Christmas, while Palace hadn’t tasted victory at all since a 3-0 triumph over Southampton on December 3.
Their indifferent form has seen the Eagles fall to 17th in the Premier League standings – only above the relegation zone on goal difference – and midfielder Puncheon is adamant the importance of downing the Trotters can’t be overstated.
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“I think it [the win] was important for the players involved in the game, the players that weren’t involved and the football club staff,” said Puncheon.
“It’s the little lift that we need, regardless of who it’s against and what competition it is.
“It’s a morale boost for us. Hopefully it is a building block and a chance for us to get back to that Crystal Palace way of stopping the goals going in.
“I think a positive is momentum, I think more minutes for people who haven’t been in the team – it was nice to see Sullay Kaikai get a run-out for example.
“We’ve got Jeffrey Schlupp who’s come in now as well, so there’s competition for places again and I think as a group we’ll pull it together in the right direction ready for Everton.”
Palace square off against seventh-placed Everton at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.
