Watford manager Gianluca Vialli may have to rethink his decision to
transfer-list Allan Nielsen and Marcus Gayle after both scored to seal a 2-0 win
over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The pair were told to leave Vicarage Road last month as part of a clear-out of
the club's under-achieving squad, who still harbour a slim hope of making the
First Division play-offs.
But they offered their manager a timely reminder of their abilities with goals
either side of half-time to put a severe dent in Palace's promotion hopes.
Eagles manager Trevor Francis threw on struggling striker Ade Akinbiyi in a
desperate attempt to salvage something from the game.
But his team failed to find the scoring touch for the fourth match running at
Selhurst Park after an outstanding display from Hornets goalkeeper Alec
Chamberlain.
The 37-year-old celebrated his 700th appearance for Watford with a string of
excellent saves, and Francis endured calls for his resignation from the 16,817
crowd.
Watford drew the first save of the match from Palace goalkeeper Matt Clarke
with only a minute gone.
Tommy Smith lost his marker to latch onto a Paul Robinson through-ball, and
Clarke did well to save his fierce volley from an acute angle 10 yards out.
But the home side soon began to dominate. Julian Gray warmed Chamberlain's
gloves with a drive after 10 minutes.
And the Palace winger caused chaos in the opposition penalty area soon
afterwards with a low cross from the left. Filippo Galli and Micah Hyde both
failed to clear the ball, colliding with each other to allow Clinton Morrison a
clear view of goal six yards out.
But Chamberlain saved his shot well, and was up quickly to parry a follow-up
effort from Hayden Mullins before Watford cleared the danger.
Palace's dismal form in front of goal continued when Tommy Black delayed his
38th-minute strike long enough for Italian veteran Galli to block after being
played clean through.
And Dougie Freedman was all alone when strike partner Morrison's right-wing
cross found him three yards from goal moments later.
But the Scottish international failed to get any meaningful contact as the
ball flashed past him.
And Watford took advantage of their opponents' wastefulness to take a shock
lead in first half stoppage time when Nielsen slammed home a low Stephen Glass
cross from the right.
Gayle then doubled their lead within two minutes of the restart when Glass
again found room on the left.
Palace keeper Clarke completely missed his low cross on the bumpy Selhurst
Park pitch and the Hornets striker nipped in for the easiest of finishes on the
goalline.
Desperate Palace boss Francis threw on struggling striker Akinbiyi to try and
turn the tide.
But shell-shocked Palace had no answer to some assured play from the visitors,
and Akinbiyi's introduction failed to spark a revival.
The Hornets continued to look dangerous on the break with the home side
sacrificing men forward.
Watford had a scare when Chamberlain was forced to tip over a misdirected
back-header from defender Neil Cox.
And the outstanding keeper pulled off a stunning one-handed save from Freedman
at the death.
Palace chairman Simon Jordan questioned his players' commitment this week, and
must be wondering whether his millions have been well spent.
Teams
Crystal Palace: Clarke, Smith, Murphy, Austin, Mullins,
Black (Akinbiyi 53), Granville (Thomson 59), Riihilahti,
Gray (Kirovski 83), Freedman, Morrison.
Subs Not Used: Kolinko, Frampton.
Watford: Chamberlain, Robinson, Brown, Galli, Cox,
Glass (Fisken 65), Nielsen (Doyley 90), Hyde, Mahon, Smith,
Gayle (Noel-Williams 88).
Subs Not Used: Baardsen, Cook.
Booked: Galli.
Goals: Nielsen 45, Gayle 47.
Att: 16,817
Ref: H Webb (Rotherham).
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