Crystal Palace 2-1 Watford

By Andy Lewers, Tales from the Vicarage Reporter

A night under the lights of Selhurst Park ended in defeat for Watford, after the 'Orns let their one goal lead slip in the final few minutes of the game.

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Watford got off to the best start possible. A cross from the left by Richarlison was met by a thundering header from Janmaat. The away fans roared with delight as it smashed the back of the net, after just 4 minutes.

The 'Orns however failed to extend their lead, the best chance of which fell to Deeney. As Watford broke up the pitch, Richarlison drilled the ball across the box and what should have been a tap into an empty net was scuffed wide by the Watford skipper.

Further chances came and went, but Watford failed to take advantage of their dominance in the first half.

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The phrase 'a game of two halves' could not be more appropriate for what followed. Palace began to pin Watford back straight from the restart.

Despite the Eagles' dominance however, it was Watford who should have scored the next goal.

A cross into the box somehow found it's way to Richarlison at the back post. The midifielder had time to control the ball before firing a shot from close range. Palace keeper Speroni however was equal to it.

With three minutes to go the game was turned on it's head.

In a moment of madness, Tom Cleverley lunged into a tackle late. Having already been booked he was given his marching orders from the referee.

A buoyant Palace sniffed an opportunity and took advantage just two minutes later. After some pinball in the area, Sako was on hand to tap the ball into the empty net.

That wasn't the worst of it though, as in the 92nd minute Zaha was able to create enough space to pull the ball back across the Watford penalty area. McArthur ran onto the cross and slotted a first-time shot underneath Gomes to complete the comeback in the dying moments of the match.

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In what turned out to be a frustrating night at Selhurst Park, Watford only had themselves to blame for not taking their chances when a goal ahead.

Time to dust ourselves down and go again on Saturday.

You 'Orns.