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As it happenedended1552751279

Watford vs Crystal Palace, FA Cup: Andre Gray the hero as Hornets secure Wembley trip

Latest updates from Vicarage Road

Michael Jones
Saturday 16 March 2019 15:02 GMT
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Watford 2018/19 Premier League profile

Andre Gray's late strike sent Watford through to the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.

The game looked to be heading to extra time after Michy Batshuayi cancelled out Etienne Capoue's first-half opener.

But Gray struck in the 79th minute, converting Roberto Pereyra's cross from close range to earn a Wembley date for his side.

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Five minutes until kick off, it's been 83 years since Palace lost three games in a row to Watford. Will that change today?

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:11
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Watford 0 - 0 Palace

Watford start the match and work the ball forward quickly, Palace aren't troubled as they win it and send it down the right wing.

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:18
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3 mins: Watford 0 - 0 Palace

Lots of movement in mid-field from both teams but no real penetration. Pereyra makes a run down the left wing for Watford and gets the ball, he runs it into the box but Tomkins covers him and forces him back out wide. His cross doesn't beat the first man and Palace clear away the danger. 

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:20
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6 mins: Watford 0 - 0 Palace

Palace win the ball back and send it to Townsend on the left hand side. Townsend brings the ball to the edge of the box and gives it to Milivojevic who puts the ball onto his right foot and strikes it low. Gomes dives to his right a palms it away. 

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:23
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9 mins: Watford 0 - 0 Palace

Palace try to walk the ball through the centre of Watford's defence, McArthur slots the ball into Batshuayi but the former Chelsea man isn't allowed the turn in the box and is forced out. Palace try to hold the attack together but a sloppy pass gives away the ball. 

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:27
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12 mins: Watford 0 - 0 Palace

Doucoure wins a free kick off Milivojevic and Watford have the chance to get some bodies into the box. Holebas dinks it into the box, Hughes goes down looking for a penalty but the ref is having none of it. The ball sails over everyone and goes out for a goal kick.

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:29
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15 mins: Watford 0 - 0 Palace

Wan-Bissaka gets in front of Holebas and receives the ball on the right wing. He runs it forward and crosses the ball. Townsend and Batshuayi make runs into the box and the cross comes to Batshuayi who jumps but can't reach the ball with a header. 

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:32
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18 mins: Watford 0 - 0 Palace

Palace make a mess of clearing the ball from their own box and Deulofeu brings the ball down with a class touch, turns quickly and fires a shot at goal from a tight angle on the right. Guaita covers the near post and makes a good save.

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:34
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21 mins: Watford 0 - 0 Palace

Milivojevic floats a free kick into the box but Gomes comes out and claims it. Gomes boots it long hoping to find Deeney but Guaita bombs out of his area and hits the ball to Pereyra. Pereyra runs down the left and whips a cross into the box but Milivojevic tracks back and heads it away. 

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:37
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24 mins: Watford 0 - 0 Palace

Holebas delivers a corner for Watford but it's flicked over Capoue and out to Hughes. Hughes does well on the right, keeping the ball alive and putting it back into the box. Palace are under pressure but they hold the defensive line well and get the ball out to Deulofeu. Deulofeu runs it back into the box, gives it to Deeney who crosses it and wins a corner.

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:41

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