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As it happenedended

Gerard Deulofeu inspires Watford to thrilling FA Cup comeback against Wolves

Relive all the action from Wembley

Callum Rice-Coates
Sunday 07 April 2019 17:54 BST
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FA Cup semi-final preview: Watford v Wolves

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Gerard Deulofeu inspired Watford to only their second FA Cup final as the super sub's magical brace sealed an extraordinary 3-2 comeback win against Wolves in a semi-final that will live long in the memory.

A rocking Wembley witnessed stunning goals, controversy and no little fight as these sides played out an incredible match that was heading only one way after goals from Matt Doherty and Raul Jimenez.

But Wolves' dreams of a first FA Cup final appearance since 1960 was scotched in the most remarkable fashion as Javi Gracia's decision to bring on Deulofeu paid off in style.

The substitute's exceptional clipped goal was the catalyst for a staggering finale as Watford captain Troy Deeney levelled with a stoppage-time penalty.

Wolves were reeling and Deulofeu secured his place in club folklore by racing through in the first half of extra-time to coolly direct a finish home and seal a win that left fans rubbing their eyes in disbelief.

Relive all of the action below.


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Watford 0-0 Wolves

26 minutes

Now Deeney has a go as Watford go direct. The big striker lashes an effort at goal from distance but it flies well over the bar. The nervousness at Wembley is palpable.

Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2019 16:28

Watford 0-0 Wolves

31 minutes

Big chance! Deeney, who's started to cause real problems, curls an excellent ball into the middle for Gray. The striker is unmarked, six yards out, but can only guide his shot over the bar.

Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2019 16:33

Watford 0-0 Wolves

35 minutes

Watford are in the ascendancy here, despite the scarcity of real chances for both sides. Wolves have remained solid and disciplined, but haven't quite got going in an attacking sense yet.

Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2019 16:36

Watford 0-0 Wolves

35 minutes

Better from Wolves. Dendoncker finds space about 25 yards out and unleashes a powerful shot. It might have been going just over, but Gomes gets a strong hand to it to make sure.

Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2019 16:37

GOAL! Watford 0-1 Wolves (Doherty)

36 minutes

It comes against the run of play, but the jubilant Wolves fans don't care! A short corner is taken to Jonny, who whips an inviting cross to the back post. Doherty is there to stoop and head in from close range. It's a disappointing goal to concede for Watford, who have looked comfortable for most of the first half.

Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2019 16:37

Watford 0-1 Wolves

39 minutes

Brilliant from Jota. The Portuguese carries the ball from deep in Watford's half to the edge of their box, working space on his right foot to guide a shot towards the far corner. He can't quite keep his effort inside the post, though.

Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2019 16:41

Watford 0-1 Wolves

40 minutes

Deeney makes a nuisance of himself in the Wolves box, getting a shot off with very little space to manoeuvre. Saiss blocks the effort, and from the resulting corner Ruddy claims the ball. 

Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2019 16:42

Watford 0-1 Wolves

42 minutes

The goal has lifted Wolves, who are beginning to threaten more often. Jimenez breaks forward and runs at the Watford defence. He should probably pass, but keeps running and eventually gets crowded out.

Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2019 16:44

Watford 0-1 Wolves

45 minutes

There'll be two minutes of added time.

Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2019 16:47

Watford 0-1 Wolves

45+1 minutes

Another huge chance for Gray! A ball up to Deeney is expertly nodded down into the path of his strike partner, who hits it on the half volley. Coady does brilliantly to get his body in the way of what looked certain to be a goal.

Callum Rice-Coates7 April 2019 16:48

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