FA Cup

ASHLEY and Tyler Young are set to become the first father-son duo to take to the field in Championship history.

The pair were denied a historic meeting by Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson in last season’s FA Cup when Tyler and his Posh team-mates took on Premier League side Everton.

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Had Tyler taken to the pitch while his old man was on the field, they would’ve become the first father-son duo to play against one another in the 154-year history of the FA Cup.

But now, they could potentially play for the SAME TEAM after Tyler was signed to Ipswich Town‘s Under-21s following a successful trial.

Former Manchester United and England star Ashley joined the Tractor Boys this summer at the ripe old age of 40.

And the magnitude of Town’s signing of his son hasn’t gone unnoticed by football fans.

One wrote on X:”Like father, like son.”

Another said: “Hopefully, they get given a game together.”

And another said: “Finally get to play together professionally.”

One remarked: “Would love to see them play in the same team together.”

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Another chimed in: “Father and son at the same club, a beautiful story.”

Ashley inked a one-year deal with Ipswich in July following his release from Everton.

Manager Kieran McKenna said of his arrival: “Ashley has had a fantastic career and his achievements speak for themselves.

“He has maintained an extremely high level of professionalism and competitiveness through his career and he is still playing at a very good level.

“We feel his leadership and experience will be valuable to the group this season and he is very hungry to contribute on and off the pitch.”

Ipswich will be back in action a week on Friday night, welcoming Sheffield United to Portman Road.

GARY LINEKER has roasted Wayne Rooney over his managerial record – live on the BBC.

The Manchester United legend joined Lineker for the Beeb’s coverage of the FA Cup final.

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Rooney, 39, has launched a media career after being sacked by Plymouth Argyle on New Year’s Eve.

The ex-England forward’s managerial record is chequered at best, with Argyle bottom of the Championship when he was axed.

Rooney has failed to achieve a win rate of over 30 per cent during stints with DC United, Derby County, Plymouth and Birmingham.

Lineker couldn’t resist sending a brutal dig Rooney’s way during the panel’s half-time analysis of Crystal Palace’s win over Manchester City.

The Eagles took a 1-0 lead into the break at Wembley thanks to Eberechi Eze’s goal.

Micah Richards asked Rooney: “Being a manager and you’re 1-0 up, what do you tell the players at half time?

“Do you change the way you play?”

Quick as a flash, Lineker quipped: “His teams were never 1-0 up.”

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The panel burst into laughter, with an apologetic Lineker adding: “Sorry Wayne!”

Laughing himself, Rooney hit back: “Let’s just get back to the game.”

The exchange quickly made its way onto social media.

One fan laughed in response: “Gary Lineker has just cooked Wayne Rooney, my God.”

Another said: “Lineker bodying Wayne Rooney is the best bit of the final so far

While a third joked: “Mr Lineker is off the leash today…brutal to Rooney at HT. Rate it.”

Lineker is leaving his role as Match of the Day host at the end of the Premier League season.

The 64-year-old has been in the MOTD hot seat since 1999.

Lineker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25.

But he will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and will also lead the coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.

CRYSTAL PALACE have made history after beating Manchester City in a pulsating FA Cup final.

Eberechi Eze was the Eagles’ hero as Oliver Glasner’s men held on for a dramatic 1-0 win.

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It sealed Palace’s first-ever domestic major trophy in their 119-year history.

Eze lashed the underdogs ahead against the run of play in the first half, finishing beautifully from a Daniel Munoz cross.

Dean Henderson was inspired in the Palace goal, making multiple superb saves – including from Omar Marmoush’s penalty.

But there was a question on whether he should have remained on the field after appearing to handle outside the box.

In the end, Palace secured a deserved win through a superb rearguard action and some highlight performances.

Here’s how SunSport’s Dan King rated Glasner’s history makers at Wembley.

Dean Henderson – 9

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Early saves from Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol.

Should not have been on pitch to save Omar Marmoush’s penalty, having somehow escaped a red card for earlier handball.

Made another good stop from Jeremy Doku.

Less busy in second half until two late saves from Echeverri.

Marc Guehi – 8

A captain’s performance as part of Palace’s three-man defence until forced off.

Absolutely crucial header under his own crossbar after a Henderson save.

Took a ball hard in the face and had to leave field.

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Maxence Lacroix – 7

Least impressive of the centre backs but still solid enough as Palace stood firm in the first half.

Important header away from Haaland early in the second and more responsibility after Guehi went off.

Kept Haaland pretty quiet.

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Chris Richards – 9

Calm and composed under City pressure.

Always seemed to be in the right place to tidy up when attacks broke down.

Won some important headers. and made some important interventions.

Excellent partnership with Munoz.

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Tyrick Mitchell – 7

Played his part in withstanding the City siege.

Seemed to have undone all his and Palace’s good work with challenge on Silva that conceded the penalty.

But kept his head well and dealt well with Savinho.

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Daniel Munoz – 9

Kept his cool defending in the box, unlike Mitchell, making important challenge on Nico O’Reilly in second half.

Brilliant cross for Eze goal and another which Sarr almost converted.

Had goal rightly ruled out for offside in build-up.

Tireless display.

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Adam Wharton – 8

Very disciplined performance without the ball, holding his position and choosing moments well to make challenges.

Some decent passes, too, when the time was right.

Easy to see why City and others want him.

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Daichi Kamada – 8

Plenty of energy right from the start, albeit not always with the outcome he would have wanted.

Passing improved as the game went on and made an excellent challenge on Silva early in the second half.

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Ismaila Sarr – 6

Was not always pressing as high as Glasner wanted and not offering much of an outlet when Palace did regain the ball.

Could have made it 2-0 but didn’t quite catch his first-half shot.

Did not really improve after break. 

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Eberechi Eze – 7

Fine volleyed goal was probably his first meaningful contribution.

Was not defending as boss Glasner wanted and unable to impose himself in final third.

Fierce effort that was blocked was only moment of second half.

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Jean-Philippe Mateta – 7

Found Munoz out wide in the build-up to opening goal but otherwise pretty ineffective, resorting to some play-acting in the first half.

Won the odd header as Palace cleared their lines in second half but a frustrating day.

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Substitutes

Jefferson Lerma (for Guehi, 61) – Had filled in at centre back before but never in such circumstances. Did himself and the club proud with a nerveless half hour: 7

Eddie Nketiah (for Mateta, 78) – Needed to offer more than the man he had replaced and just about did, at least by buying fouls: 6

Will Hughes (for Wharton, 87) – The cult hero came on to try to see the game out: 6

CRYSTAL PALACE are taking on Manchester City in a stunning FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium!

The Eagles headed into the match on the back of a mixed season in the league, but have ended the campaign in good form.

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Palace boss Oliver Glasner has had a huge impact on the side since his arrival at Selhurst Park in February 2024.

Glasner said ahead of the FA Cup final: “I’m very pleased. Not just with the improvements, but I think with the environment we have created here at the training ground and also in the club.

“We are very ambitious, everyone is working very hard to progress, and this is the main reason why we are where we are now at the end of the season.

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“We are really settled in mid-table and looking at the teams in front of us more than looking at the teams who are behind us.

“We are also playing the FA Cup final and very pleased with what has happened in the last 15-16 months.”

Have Crystal Palace ever won a trophy?

Crystal Palace won the Second Division twice in their history – in 1979 and in 1994.

They have also been promoted via the playoffs four times – 1989, 1997, 2004 and in 2013.

However, what is considered a top-flight honour has eluded the club so far.

While the club have now reached three FA Cup finals, including taking Manchester United to a replay in 1990.

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United won 1-0 in the replay after the original clash ended in a 3-3 draw.

Before their final in 2025, the last time Palace were in an FA Cup final was in 2016.

Palace also played United that day, but lost 2-1 after extra-time in a match famed for manager Alan Pardew’s dance with the side 1-0 up.

Winning the FA Cup today will send The Eagles into the Europe.

The last and only time they played in Europe was the 1998 UEFA Intertoto Cup, but were knocked out in the third round to Turkish side Samsunspor.

THIS pair of diehard Crystal Palace fans have spent £20,000 to get home from a US holiday for the FA Cup final before flying back out. 

The side’s Wembley clash against Manchester City on May 17 falls three days into Mark and Anna Newlands’ ten-day trip to New York. 

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The couple booked it months ago for a cousin’s birthday before the Eagles got to the final.

So they have bought flights to get back the day before and will return to the US the day after. 

Mark said they would miss the big birthday but their relatives understood. 

The retired risk manager, 61, from Newbury, Berks, said: “The club is in my DNA.

“We have to be there.

“I’m not bothered if this is sensible or not. It’ll be worth every penny.” 

Anna, 62, is just as devoted to the South London club and did not hesitate when Mark suggested the plan. 

The pair, pictured at the semi-final win over Aston Villa, hope it will be third time lucky after Palace lost their two previous finals. 

The couple’s son James, also a Palace season ticket holder, is attending the final although he is not on the New York trip — while their daughter Alice will stay in the Big Apple. 

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