Crystal Palace took FA Cup final defeat with dignity, says Alan Pardew

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Sam Long22 May 2016

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew believes his side took today's defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup final "with dignity."

The south Londoners went in front through Jason Puncheon's fierce strike but were back on level terms just three minutes later after Juan Mata poked home past Wayne Hennessey from close range.

Chris Smalling's dismissal appeared to hand the initiative back to Palace, but the Eagles failed to make the most of their numerical advantage in the latter stages of extra time.

Jesse Lingard popped up to volley home the winner and break Palace's hearts but Pardew is adamant his team - and the club's fans - did themselves proud at Wembley.

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"We've tried to take this defeat with dignity. We wish United well in Europa League and go home to lick our wounds.

"I'd just like to say that Crystal Palace Football Club handled themselves really well today.

"Our fans showed the world that we can fill any stadium and we'll never be out-sung. They made a real racket today.

"The players gave me everything today. They played with heart, passion," he added.

Referee Mark Clattenburg's decision not to play advantage after Connor Wickham skipped past Chris Smalling in the early stages of the match proved to be a major talking point and Pardew was, understandably, disappointed with the official's standpoint but rued his side's ability to hang onto their lead.

"I was really disappointed with the Connor decision. You could see he was going to get up first. It being pulled back was really harsh.

"It made for an enthralling tie - a game that could have gone either way, unfortunately for us it didn't go our way.

"I felt if we took the lead late on we'd see it through, the way we'd defended," Pardew added.

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