Capoue sends Watford into FA Cup quarter-finals at QPR’s expense

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LONDON, Feb 16, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Etienne Capoue’s goal in first-half
stoppage time was enough to give Watford a 1-0 win away to Queens Park
Rangers on Friday that saw the Hornets into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Both sides had opportunities in an even opening period that belied the fact
that Watford are eighth in the Premier League and QPR 18th in the second-tier
Championship following a run of five straight league defeats.

“I enjoyed the goal,” Capoue told BT Sport. “It was teamwork. We worked all
the way through the game. We are so proud.

“Everyone is on the same page. The players give everything and they showed
today what they can give on the pitch.”

Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes marked his 38th birthday with several
fine saves at Loftus Road as QPR’s Matt Smith and Nahki Wells both went close
for the west London club.

But Daryl Janmaat had a good chance for Watford, the losing finalists in
the 1984 FA Cup final, before the visitors took the lead when French
midfielder Capoue, inside the box, volleyed into the far corner through a
crowd of players following a corner kick.

Watford should have doubled their lead with fewer than 20 minutes left.

Troy Deeney played in Andre Gray and the striker rounded the goalkeeper
before finishing into an empty net, only for the goal to be disallowed for
offside.

Replays showed that it should have stood but, in the absence of a Video
Assistant Referee, the score remained 1-0.

QPR, beaten finalists in the 1982 FA Cup final, almost equalised late on
but Toni Leistner missed an open goal as he slid in at the back post.

That was as good as it got for QPR, managed by ex-England boss Steve
McClaren,

“We’re not far way,” McClaren told the BBC. “We are close, we just need the
rub of the green.”

The remainder of the fifth round ties will take place on Saturday, Sunday
and Monday when FA Cup holders Chelsea play Manchester United in a repeat of
last season’s final.

With one of the Premier League’s big guns bound to go out, Monday’s draw
for the sixth round could yet favour Watford.