Alan Pardew paid tribute to the Crystal Palace side that made the final of the FA Cup 26 years ago.

The Eagles boss famously headed the South London club into the cup decider in 1990 where they ended up going down to Manchester United 1-0 in a replay at the old Wembley Stadium.

On Sunday, Palace defeated Watford 2-1 to set up another final with the Red Devils but what was more remarkable was the opening goal from Yannick Bolasie, who headed home Damien Delaney's flick-on, which was a carbon copy of Pardew's extra-time winner against Liverpool more than a quarter of a century ago.

"We paid a bit of homage to that side with the flick-on for the corner," smiled Pardew.

"Steve Coppell can take a bit of credit for that one.

"This is a different team, with a different spirit, but the characteristics are similar to 1990. They are hard-working, diligent, with good defenders and some pace on the attack.

"I just hope the destiny isn't the same result in the final."

Watford captain Troy Deeney levelled for the Hornets in the 55th minute after Bolasie's sixth-minute opener before Connor Wickham headed home a 61st-minute winner as the Eagles progressed to next month's final in dramatic fashion.