Preston North End secured their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 58 years with a commanding 3-0 victory over Burnley at Deepdale.
Republic of Ireland internationals Robbie Brady and Will Keane played key roles in the triumph, as Milutin Osmajic added further drama by taunting the away supporters after netting Preston’s second goal.
Brady’s Stunning Free-Kick Sets the Tone
Preston broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Brady. The Irish midfielder curled a 25-yard free-kick over the Burnley wall, finding the top left corner for his first Preston goal in over a year.
Burnley had an opportunity to equalize just before halftime when Luca Koleosho pounced on a loose ball following Lyle Foster’s dispossession. However, his left-footed effort drifted wide of the post, letting Preston off the hook.
Osmajic and Keane Seal the Win
Just before the break, controversy struck when Burnley hesitated after a pass struck Ryan Ledson in the face. With play continuing, Brad Potts found Osmajic with a pinpoint pass, allowing him to race through and slot home Preston’s second. The forward celebrated by cupping his ears to the Burnley fans, adding an extra layer of tension to the encounter.
Burnley’s hopes of a comeback faded further in the 66th minute when Will Keane netted Preston’s third, capping off an emphatic performance and ending Burnley’s 23-match unbeaten run.
Crystal Palace Progress with 3-1 Win Over Millwall
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace also booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 win against Millwall at Selhurst Park, in a match overshadowed by a serious injury to Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The game took a dramatic turn in the eighth minute when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off for a reckless challenge on Mateta, who had to be stretchered off and taken to hospital.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Millwall fought back after Japhet Tanganga’s own goal put Palace ahead in the 33rd minute, followed by a second goal from Daniel Munoz seven minutes later.
Wes Harding pulled one back for Millwall deep into first-half stoppage time, but substitute Eddie Nketiah, who replaced Mateta, sealed the win in the 81st minute by looping a header past the goalkeeper after Eberechi Eze’s flicked-on free kick.
With these victories, both Preston and Palace advance to the next stage of the FA Cup, edging closer to Wembley as the competition heats up.
