Van der Vaart goal and Official Highlights -Watford 0-1 Tottenham | FA Cup 4th Round Proper 27-01-12
Rafael van der Vaart's long-range strike ensured a happy end to the week for Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. Van der Vaart beat Scott Loach with a dipping 25-yard shot, but Spurs had to survive a second-half onslaught to reach the FA Cup fifth round. Spurs' preparations were disrupted by Redknapp's ongoing tax evasion trial. Although Van der Vaart also hit the crossbar, Watford struck the woodwork twice in a dominant second-half showing and were unlucky not to force a replay. Spurs, who last won the FA Cup in 1991, rested Gareth Bale, Ledley King and Aaron Lennon but still named a strong side which produced arguably their worst display of the season. Watford responded marvellously to recover from Van der Vaart's opener against the run of play, and teenager Sean Murray and captain John Eustace struck the same post after the break. The hosts worked hard from the off to deny Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart space and time and, for all Spurs' possession, their first shot on goal did not arrive until the half-hour mark. Watford, on the other hand, twice threatened in the opening exchanges as midfielder Murray saw his low drive parried by Carlo Cudicini before Prince Buaben hit a swerving shot narrowly wide from 25 yards. The home side's bold line-up saw forward Troy Deeney causing Danny Rose no end of problems on the Tottenham left, and his cross led to Joe Garner miscuing a clear chance in front of Cudicini. Spurs were still struggling to make headway in the final third <b>...</b>
