Smith enriches Watford as Burnley subside

Watford 2 Burnley

It may not have had the appeal of the other ties, but the prize was still the same – if not more so. A place in the last four was always going to make it tense but add to that the turbulence of the wind conditions and a turf that cut up badly and any hopes of a classic encounter were never going to be realised.

Still, there was a classic Cup story to tell. Goals from Tommy Smith – on his first appearance since surviving a serious car crash – and Stephen Glass – recently told he cannot stay by a club with 18 players out of contract – gave Watford the victory they so dearly craved.

The goals came in a furious few minutes deep into the second half and after a sterile first period in which neither side appeared capable of handling the conditions or the occasion.

The result makes Watford almost £1m richer in a season in which they have asked all their staff to take a pay cut and have struggled to keep their head above administration.

It puts them into their first semi-final since 1987, when they lost to Tottenham Hotspur, and theirmanager Ray Lewington said: "It was a massive result for the club," before adding: "I don't really know what the consequences are in terms of money. I just hope it makes things a lot easier and I hope it means we can keep more players.

"I think it is important that all the staff who made the sacrifice of the pay cut are repaid. If they had not done so, then we would probably not be here."

In this all-First Division contest, the clubs decided to split the £400,000 prize money no matter the outcome. It was Burnley who settled first but they failed to capitalise on a weak punch by goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain and then Lee Briscoe poked the ball wide after a fine run and cross by Ian Moore.

Gradually Watford gained the ascendancy and threatened from a series of corners that would provide a precursor to the goals. After the break they pushed on and, after Smith and Heidar Helguson had squandered chances, they scored – from another Neal Ardley corner. Burnley failed to clear the ball and it was forced through to Smith who slid it under goalkeeper Marlon Beresford. It was the striker's sole contribution, but it was enough and Lewington was able to substitute him.

Then, after a clumsy foul by the otherwise impressive Ian Cox, Glass coolly curled in an accomplished left-footed free-kick from 25 yards.

Having not conceded a goal so far in this Cup run, which has accounted for two Premiership sides, Watford never then looked in any danger.

The Burnley manager Stan Ternent refused to criticise his lacklustre players, saying: "The first goal was always going to be crucial."

It was his team's fourth away tie and their chance to progress into the semi-finals for the first time in 30 years. It was a tame surrender.

However, the focus was on the goalscorers with Lewington saying that he hoped Glass, 26, was "in the shop window". The player said: "I just want to enjoy today for what it is. I am not going to get upset about it, and we will see what happens now."

What chance his last appearance for Watford will be in the final? Now that would be an FA Cup tale to tell.

Goals: Smith (75) 1-0; Glass (79) 2-0.

Watford (4-4-2): Chamberlain; Ardley, N Cox, Gayle, Robinson; Glass, Vernazza (Hand, 65), Hyde, Mahon; Helguson, Smith (Noel-Williams, 77). Substitutes not used: Lee (gk), Dyche, McNamee.

Burnley (4-5-1): Beresford; West, Diallo, I Cox, Branch; I Moore, Grant (Blake, 75), Cook (Davis, 67), Briscoe, A Moore (Little, 57); Taylor. Substitutes not used: Michopoulos (gk), Weller.

Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire).

Bookings: Burnley: Cox, I Moore.

Man of the match: Gayle.

Attendance: 20,336.