Connor Wickham headed Crystal Palace into the FA Cup final for the first time in 26 years as his team beat Watford 2-1 at Wembley Stadium Sunday. The south London side will meet Manchester United on May 21 in a repeat of the 1990 final, which United won after a replay. Palace dominated large chunks of the match, especially in the first half, and had several chances to put the match beyond Watford's reach. Palace went ahead early when winger Yannick Bolasie headed his team ahead in the 6th minute after a corner from Yohan Cabaye was flicked on at the near post by Damien Delaney. Bolasie went close to doubling Palace's lead early in the second half but his left-footed shot was kept out by the legs of Watford goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon. Watford drew level in the 55th minute when striker Troy Deeney out-jumped Palace defender Scott Dann to head past Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. Watford wasn't level for long as Wickham put Palace ahead in the 61st after he easily out-jumped Watford defender Nathan Ake to meet Papa Souare's sweeping cross. Wilfried Zaha went close to getting a third in the 84th but his right-footed shot hit the side netting. Watford's Adlene Guedioura went closest to getting Watford back on level terms but his snatched shot from 10 yards out went just wide of Palace's right-hand post. Much of Palace's attacking drive came from Bolasie's runs down the left flank, which often unsettled Watford. Bolasie has been central to Palace's recent upturn that has virtually assured the team's survival in the Premier League. His goal last week earned Palace a point against Arsenal. Though Palace lies only two spots above the relegation zone, it's eight points clear of the drop zone with games running out. United beat Everton 2-1 Saturday in the other semifinal following a late winner from Anthony Martial. That's a repeat of the 1990 final which ended 3-3. United won the replay 1-0, a victory that gave Alex Ferguson his first trophy as manager. — Agencies
