January 5 2008

The FA Cup

Crystal Palace have been dumped out of the FA Cup after a Danny Shittu-inspired Watford won 2-0.

Watford defender Shittu headed two corner kick goals at Vicarage Road to send his side into the fourth round.

Eagles boss Neil Warnock handed starts to 15-year-old John Bostock and 17-year-old duo Lee Hills, Sean Scannell with Ryan Hall and Victor Moses on the bench.

Although Watford had the same team that beat Southampton 3-0, Palace's young guns started well as Bostock, Scannell then Ben Watson tried their luck from range.

The Hornets then started to get a grip of proceedings as the re-called Scott Flinders saved from Darius Henderson.

In the 28th minute they were rewarded for their pressure by taking the lead as Shittu climbed highest to power Lee Williamson's inswinging corner past Flinders.

After the interval, Watford almost got another as Jordan Stewart fired inches wide of the post, while Henderson and former Eagle Jobi McAnuff went close.

And in the 65th minute the Shitt hit the fan as Shittu struck once more to head home Stewart's corner to make it 2-0.

Carl Fletcher saw an effort go over the bar as Palace's 13-game unbeaten stretch came to an end and their chances of a cup run were dashed for another season.

Palace: Flinders, Hills, Fonte (Hill 81), Hudson, Lawrence, Scannell, Watson, Fletcher, Bostock (Moses 61), Scowcroft, Morrison (Hall 73).

Not Used: Martin, Freedman.