Crystal Palace emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over Stockport County in an FA Cup match that demonstrated the crucial impact of early goals. The home side got off to a lightning-fast start with a goal in just over four minutes, setting the tone for the rest of the match. This early lead allowed Crystal Palace to dictate the pace, focusing on maintaining solid defensive organization and preventing Stockport County from capitalizing on any attacking opportunities.

Stockport County struggled to maintain discipline, as indicated by the three yellow cards they accrued in the second half. These infractions disrupted their play and limited their ability to build momentum. The sustained pressure from Palace forced Stockport to commit 14 fouls, nearly three times as many as their opponents, reflecting their struggle to regain control of the game in challenging moments. The overload of fouls and subsequent cards were significant factors that hindered Stockport's capacity to counter effectively.

Crystal Palace capitalized on their advantage in corner kicks with seven, compared to just two for Stockport, exemplifying their ability to keep the ball in threatening areas. They also showcased superior teamwork and tactical awareness, as seen in their successful offside traps that caught the opposition out five times. While Stockport County attempted to steady their shape defensively, Palace's sharper teamwork and strategic set-pieces maintained pressure, ultimately preserving their slim lead and ensuring progression in the FA Cup.

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