TROY STORY
Deeney’s heroes roar into Cup final
Troy Deeney last night hailed his stoppage-time penalty that swung the FA Cup semi-final Watford’s way as the best moment of his career.
Deeney thumped in the 94th-minute equaliser as Watford came from 2-0 down to beat Wolves in extra time in one of the best Wembley matches the competition has known.
Gerard Deulofeu came off the bench to score a magical first goal with 11 minutes to go, before adding a fine second to send Watford into next month’s final against Manchester City.
‘This team has something special,’ said Deeney. ‘Many teams would’ve called it a day but we kept fighting.’
TROY DEENEY last night taunted Wolves striker Raul Jimenez for donning a wrestling-style mask in celebration of scoring Wolves’ second goal in their dramatic FA Cup semi-final loss to Watford. The Hornets striker, who equalised in the last minute from the penalty spot as his side fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 after extra time, was not impressed when told of Jimenez’s antics. Deeney said: ‘I’m glad he put that mask on, he can wear it out as well, now he’s a loser. Enjoy the mask, but we got the victory. ‘Don’t get me wrong he’s a top player. I watch him and I think he’s very good. ‘I didn’t see the mask thing, so I’m quite happy I only saw it now because I probably would’ve lost my head.’ Watford manager Javi Gracia said match-winner Gerard Deulofeu was also fired up — after the winger was omitted from the starting line-up. Gracia preferred Andre Gray up front with Deeney from the start but sent on Deulofeu in the 66th minute and was rewarded with two key goals from the Spaniard. ‘That moment I think he was angry,’ said Gracia. ‘He wanted to play a semifinal, he has played almost all the games before. ‘I like to see my players this way, with that attitude, to show what they are able to do. He helped the team. The first one with high quality but it is not a surprise because I see him with it all the time in training.’ Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo said: ‘This is a very tough moment of real pain for the players, staff and fans. ‘We had it and it went away from us. We have to realise, in the last minutes, we should manage better.’