Adama Traore ends 11-month goal drought to fire Wolves past Crystal Palace

Adama Traore ended his drought in spectacular fashion to boost boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Molineux chief was fined £25,000 this week for his outburst against referee Lee Mason after the Premier League defeat at Burnley.

But Spanish international flyer Traore put a smile on his face as he high-fived Nuno after breaking the deadlock before half-time.

Traore thumped in a rising drive from the edge of the box for his first goal in 33 games for Wolves and his first domestic strike in a year.

It saw Wolves deservedly progress into the fourth round with their first win in five games.

Traore's return to form was most welcome for Wolves as rookie Fabio Silva continues to mis-fire deputising for Raul Jimenez.

Powderpuff Palace, who made nine changes, were so lacklustre they even produced two foul throws.

Wolves made two changes as Leander Dendoncker returned and John Ruddy made just his second appearance of the season in goal.

Palace also had a new keeper between the sticks as Jack Butland came in to make his debut in goal.

The ex-England shot-stopper really should have been picking the ball out of the net in just the 12 minute after great work down the left by Pedro Neto.

He carried the ball from near the halfway line to the edge of the visitors' box.

There his tricks bought Neto space to cross for £35million summer signing Silva.

But the teenage striker, 18, headed over unmarked from six yards out as he continues to search for his first goal from open play for the club.

Palace created a good chance of their own as Eberechi Eze blasted wide at the far post.

While Traore also fired wide for the hosts as he started to find his range.

Butland was eventually called into action in the 21 minute to dive low to his left to palm away Nelson Semedo's low drive from the top of the box.

But the keeper was lucky not to be penalised for then touching a back-pass while clearing his lines after the save.

Wolves dominated possession and eventually deservedly took the lead in the 35 minute.

Traore cut in from the right and thumped in a left-foot finish off his weaker foot high past Butland from the edge of the box.

After the break Palace did improve but Silva headed wide again for the hosts.

Butland also made a fine reaction stop to turn away Dendoncker's close-range effort from Traore's cross to the near post.

Hodgson threw on eight-goal top scorer Wilfried Zaha to try and take the tie to extra time.

But it was still Wolves who looked the more dangerous as Neto hit a low effort wide.

The visitors could have few complaints at exiting as they failed to trouble Ruddy and will have to be much-improved away at Arsenal in the top-flight on Thursday.

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