April 25 2016

Wembley - sea of red and blue

Crystal Palace have reached the FA Cup final after a 2-1 win over Watford.

Goals from Yannick Bolasie and Connor Wickham sealed Palace's spot in the final – for just the second time in their history – where they will meet 1990 opponents Manchester United.

The Eagles got off to a flyer with their quickest goal of the season with just six minutes gone at Wembley with a Bolasie header from close range – his second in as many games. Yohan Cabaye's corner was flicked on by Damien Delaney and Bolasie rose highest at the far post to nod home.

Watford lost midfielder Etienne Capoue through injury just past the half-hour mark and failed to get going with Troy Deeney curling over their real only effort of the half.

Meanwhile, Palace had appeals for a penalty turned down after Wilfried Zaha's cross whacked the hand of Nathan Ake in the box.

After the interval, Bolasie forced a save out of goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon who kept his angled shot out with his feet.

Watford levelled the scores in the 55th minute as Jose Jurado's corner was met by Deeney, who leapt above Scott Dann to head beyond Wayne Hennessey.

The lead last just six minutes as Wickham restored Palace's advantage with another headed goal, meeting Pape Souare's cross to score past Pantilimon.

Odion Ighalo and sub Adlene Guedioura blasted off target for the Hornets but they could not find the crucial goal as the Eagles look to avenge the FA Cup final of 26 years ago when they clash with foes Manchester United on May 21.

Alan Pardew: "We've let the fans down a little bit at home games this year but today we had out strongest team and it showed.

"I've only played that team about eight times and the team was in total control of this game in my opinion.

"We talked at half-time about the Everton games yesterday that it changed and we needed to go up a level. Ironically Watford had five or 10 minutes where they bossed the game.

"But to boss the game for 80 minutes, which I think we did, is a tribute to the players."

Quique Sanchez Flores: "Everyone is disappointed but we need to be realistic. No one expected us to be in the semi-final.

"When we started the season the main target was to stay in the Premier League. That's the most important thing for Watford. We need reasons to be happy, to be positive. I don't see why we have to be negative.

"We were competitive and created chances. But we did not expect to concede with the first play. But Crystal Palace have a great team and a great manager, and congratulations to them."

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