Sharp is ace of brace
NEWCASTLE ...... 0 WATFORD .......... 2
HE might be trying to save the high street but it was another early closing day in the FA Cup for Newcastle owner Mike Ashley as the
Geordies failed again to get past the Fourth Round in his 12 years of ownership.
And facing another grim relegation battle, boss Rafa Benitez mixed and matched much to the frustration of the Toon army.
His decision to remove St James’ Park favourite Matt Ritchie with Newcastle 1-0 down ensured that all the flak from disgruntled fans wasn’t reserved for Ashley.
“I understand the fans but when you have so many games you have to be careful and protect the players sometimes,” Benitez explained.
“I am disappointed obviously. I am a professional and convinced what we have to do at the end, which is to stay up.”
Even more galling was Watford boss Javi Gracia making 11 changes and the Hornets still looking the most likely side to do something on a bleak Tyneside afternoon.
And so it proved with Andre Gray and Isaac Success supplying the cool finishes to help Watford improve their own dismal record in the FA Cup – this being only the second time in 10 seasons they have travelled this far.
A delighted Gracia said: “It was a good performance from us and I am pleased for all the players. Sometimes it’s not easy to explain to them how important they all are.
“I believe in my squad. It’s important to show all of them they are working well. We are in a good position in the league and still in the FA Cup.”
The groans for the Toon army started as soon as the team-sheet was read out, reaching a crescendo when they realised that Joselu was in ahead of Salomon Rondon.
Gray illustrated what a goalhungry forward is capable of finishing expertly in the 61st minute after being afforded time and space from a Will Hughes through ball.
Newcastle almost grabbed an equaliser, a weaving run from Javier Manquillo ending with a chip over keeper Heurelho Gomes only for Ben Wilmot to head off the line. But Watford sealed a deserved victory in the 90th minute, Success finishing off a defence-lacerating move BILLY SHARP’S double kept Sheffield United’s automatic promotion dreams alive as they battled back twice against Norwich.
Blades captain Sharp (right) netted from the spot and then scored from a header to take his stunning tally for the season to 18 league goals.
Boss Chris Wilder said: “Billy Sharp led from the front. It was the hardest game we have had this season.’’
Wilder showed his bravery in involving Adalberto Penaranda and Domingos Quina.
Much of a sterile first half had been punctuated by the usual anti-Ashley chants – and to make matters worse the planned loan move to Newcastle of Lazio defender Jordan Lukaku, Romelu Lukaku’s brother, is off after he failed a medical.
No wonder Benitez met an enquiry about any possible January transfer window action with a curt “I have no idea.”
Norwich 2 Sheff Utd 2
throwing both his new loan signings, Gary Madine and Kieran Dowell, into a league starting line-up for the first time.
Norwich twice led through goals from Onel Hernandez and Teemu Pukki, and their boss Daniel Farke said: “Of course, we are a bit disappointed having been in the lead twice. On the penalty, it was a bit soft but I can see why the referee gave it.”