Turner Starts in FA Cup Win

Goalkeeper, Along with Chris Richards, Helped Crystal Palace to Cleansheet in Victory

Matt Turner made a compelling case for more playing time after keeping a clean sheet in Crystal Palace's narrow 1-0 FA Cup victory over Stockport County on Sunday, marking his first appearance at Selhurst Park as an Eagle.

"Learning to win is a habit," Turner reflected after the match, where Palace held onto their early lead through Eberechi Eze's fourth-minute strike. "It's good for us to go through these types of moments, these types of games and come out with a win."

The U.S. international goalkeeper, making only his second appearance of the season, proved crucial in preserving Palace's advantage with four saves, including a vital stop to deny Isaac Olaofe following a defensive mix-up. While pleased with the clean sheet, Turner acknowledged the team could have made things easier for themselves.

"I wish that we could have threatened their goal maybe a little bit more to get that second goal and really put the game away," he said. "But we didn't, and we had to kill off another game at 1-0."

The victory was particularly special for Turner, who had previously experienced Selhurst Park as an opposition player. "It was amazing to be here, to see the crowd, feel the energy, feel so welcome as well," he smiled. "I played here last season, but I was on the away side! I much prefer being here and being on the home side."

Fellow American Chris Richards also featured in the victory, playing 90 minutes in his third-straight start in all competitions. He couldn't convert one of several headed chances from Palace players that might have given the club a more comfortable margin.

Turner, who has now won both his appearances this season after a 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Aston Villa in October, demonstrated his understanding of the opposition's threat. "We understand that they play good football. They put a lot of balls in the box, they create tonnes of chances in League One – in the scouting report that was very, very clear."