Ben Foster | Another superb goalkeeping display by the on loan Manchester United man. Made an excellent save down to his left to deny the Hammers' Shaun Newton early in the first half and the total control of his penalty area as the pressure mounted in the second period settled the nerves of Watford defenders and travelling support alike. |
Adrian Mariappa | Displayed a calm assurance when confronted by West Ham United's recent big money signing, Luis Boa Morte. Won the ball on halfway that started the move leading to Anthony McNamee's goal. |
Jordan Stewart | Captain colossus, the ex-Leicester City man has upped his game a notch since taking over the skipper's armband from the injured Gavin Mahon. Two terrific goal line clearances, one in the first half and then again in the dying seconds when under extreme pressure from Teddy Sheringham and Bobby Zamora. |
Malkay Mackay | Solid display from the no nonsense central defender, although he got the benefit of some doubt when coming into contact with Carlton Cole in the penalty box midway through the second half. |
Jay DeMerit | Outstanding performance by the American, led by example and defended heroically, although was out muscled on the right flank that led to the Carlton Cole/Malkay Mackay penalty incident. |
Al Bangura | Combative hard working effort from the Sierra Leone youngster. Grew in stature as the game progressed and always seemed to clear his lines at the crucial moment. |
Tommy Smith | Typical crafty display by the little winger, and swung over a teasing cross that tempted West Ham United goalkeeper, Roy Carroll to leave his goal unguarded for the game's defining moment. |
Damien Francis | Back to something like his best, the former Wigan Athletic man seems to be relishing the extra responsibility in the absence of Gavin Mahon. Unfortunate to be flagged offside for his first half strike after making great strides to get into the danger area and meet Malkay Mackay's header. |
Anthony McNamee | Capped a fine performance with a stunning overhead kick to win the tie. Passed the ball well and chased and harried throughout, taken off late on as he tired but had already done enough. |
Darius Henderson | Tireless effort from the big front man. Always an aerial threat and forced Hammers' goalie, Roy Carroll into a crucial error just before half time. Inches away from converting a wonderful low cross from Hameur Bouazza midway through the second half. |
Hameur Bouazza | Strong powerful performance from the Parisian. Always willing to support Darius Henderson and set up the former Gillingham man with a superb low cross in the second half. Has perhaps not regained full speed after dislocating a shoulder on Boxing Day, but a tremendous asset to the side nevertheless. |
Chris Powell | Wisely brought on by manager, Aidy Boothroyd for the tense closing stages. Did not contribute too much, but crucially took up good defensive positions, got a foot in where it mattered and lent an experienced hand to help the boys over the line. |
