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Watford 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Match Reports, 22:04, January 27, 2012
Spurs progressed into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup thanks to a narrow win over a spirited Watford side.
Watford started well, with Marvin Sordell and Sean Murray testing Carlo Cudicini early on, while Prince Buaben also signalled their intent with a piledriver that flew just wide from 25 yards.
Spurs were struggling to keep hold of the ball in midfield against a well-organised Hornets side which wasn't allowing them any time on the ball.
The Premier League side appeared to be running out of ideas, sending long balls towards Jermain Defoe which were easily dealt with by the hardworking Watford defence.
The breakthrough finally came in the 42nd minute as Rafael van der Vaart found some space for the first time and fired a speculative effort from 25 yards which bounced in front of Loach and into the net.
Watford came out fighting after the break and were almost level just four minutes after the restart. Murray tried to guide the ball into the far corner but hit the post, and Troy Deeney couldn't find the target with the rebound.
Van der Vaart then went on to hit the woodwork for Spurs, his left-foot effort crashing off the bar, as Harry Redknapp's side went close to doubling their lead.
Watford stepped up the pressure as the minutes ticked away but the Spurs defence stayed firm, leaving the home side to rue missed chances.
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