FA Cup

Spurs help to put a smile on Redknapp's face

ESPN staff

January 27, 2012 « Jelavic ill, not dropped - McCoist | I lost £250k trying to help friend - Redknapp »

Rafael van der Vaart's first-half strike was enough to send Tottenham through against Watford © PA Photos

Enlarge

ESPN will be showing the clashes of Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham during FA Cup fourth round weekend. For subscription details please click here

Rafael van der Vaart's first-half strike proved the winner as Tottenham helped add some colour to an otherwise dark week for manager Harry Redknapp as they edged a stubborn Watford outfit 1-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Redknapp, back on the touchline after spending his week contesting two charges of tax evasion, made the journey across London from Southwark Crown Court and watched his team put on a poor display in the first half, until Van der Vaart put the Premier League title chasers ahead with a 30-yard drive just before the break.

A starting XI that contained the likes of Luka Modric, Van der Vaart and Scott Parker were made to struggle in the opening stages, however, as Watford, clearly determined to cause an upset, started well. Redknapp's worries were eased three minutes from the break, however, when Van der Vaart picked up Kyle Walker's pass, advanced at the Watford defence, who backed off, and fired home from 30 yards past Scott Loach, who will be disappointed he did not save the shot.

Championship side Watford, 35 places below Spurs in the league ladder, rattled the Tottenham woodwork on two occasions and Carlo Cudicini performed well to keep out lively striker Marvin Sordell in the second half as Spurs were made to work hard for their place in the next round.

Redknapp would have wanted an easier test on his return to action, but his team are safely through after avoiding an upset that looked likely for large parts of the game.

In Friday's other fourth-round clash, Marouane Fellaini grabbed the winner as Everton came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 at Goodison Park.

Danny Murphy gave Fulham a controversial early lead from the penalty spot at Goodison Park but hard-working Everton were rewarded for determined fightback.

Landon Donovan was twice the provider as Denis Stracqualursi, with his first goal for the club, equalised before half-time and Fellaini settled the contest 17 minutes from time. The decisive breakthrough came when Donovan hit a deep cross to the far post and Fellaini guided a fine header back across David Stockdale into the top corner. Stockdale stretched to try to claw it out but Fellaini's placement for his third goal of the season was perfect.

Everton almost made the game safe with the next attack as Tim Cahill thundered a header against the bar from a Phil Neville cross. The ball then hit the bar again as Aaron Hughes attempted to head clear from the rebound but this time it went over.

Fulham boss Martin Jol sent on Bobby Zamora for Damien Duff in attempt to change the momentum of the game with just over 10 minutes remaining. It failed to have the required effect for the Londoners and Everton played out time to advance to the last 16.

* ESPN Fan Films: The Spirit of Shankly