TEARFUL GOMES IS LEFT TO SWEAT ON SEMI-FINAL PLACE
WATFORD 2 C PALACE 1
WHEN Watford reach the last four of the FA Cup, it has traditionally been the spark for drama to erupt around their goalkeepers, and right on cue came this tearjerker featuring Heurelho Gomes. Manager Javi Gracia refused to guarantee Gomes his place at Wembley after the popular Brazilian had shared an emotional farewell with home fans following his fine display in Saturday’s quarter-final win. At 38, he is out of contract at the end of the season and ‘99 per cent certain’ he will retire from football to become a pastor or an agent or both, and this will go down as his final appearance at Vicarage Road, barring an injury or suspension for Ben Foster. ‘I will decide what’s best for the team,’ said Gracia. ‘It doesn’t change for me because it will be the semi-final or the final because I trust all my players.’ Ten years ago, the two goalkeepers were on opposites sides in a League Cup final. Foster is Watford’s established No 1 and in wonderful form, and Gomes, who continues to impress in cup competitions, has seen this scenario from the other angle. Three years ago, Quique Sanchez Flores was in charge and kept faith in back-up Costel Pantilimon when the Hornets reached the last four and faced Crystal Palace. Gomes was the established Premier League goalkeeper and watched from the bench as Palace won at Wembley. On Saturday, he savoured FA Cup revenge with Andre Gray coming on to grab the winner for a third successive home game after Michy Batshuayi had wiped out Etienne Capoue’s opener. In 2007, when they faced Manchester United in a
semi-final at Villa Park, the goalkeeping saga revolved around Foster, who was on loan at Vicarage Road from Old Trafford and eager to play. But he was refused permission and Richard Lee stepped in as Watford lost 4-1. Just as they did against Tottenham in 1987 when Gary Plumley, son of the club’s chief executive, was plucked from amateur football to deputise for Tony Coton and Steve Sherwood, who were injured. At least this time Gracia has two strong options at his disposal, typical of the depth in his squad. ‘I’m glad it’s the gaffer’s decision,’ said defender Adrian Mariappa. ‘Gomey has been a tremendous servant to this club. He’s hugely popular and influential in the changing room, and I’m sure no one wants to see him go. ‘I’m hoping it won’t be his last game here. You can see how much he’s loved by everyone at the club. If he plays at Wembley, we’ll have every confidence in him. We’re always confident when he’s playing.’