Tottenham Hotspur have reached the fifth round of the FA Cup after a 1-0 win at Championship side Watford.
Sean Murray had the first chance for the hosts in the seventh minute when his low drive was spilled by Spurs goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.
Prince Buaben had an effort on goal soon after, but the midfielder's shot flashed wide of the post.
As the visitors struggled to get a hold on the match, Jermain Defoe had a tame drive easily saved by Scott Loach.
Spurs went ahead in fortunate circumstances when Rafael van der Vaart's low shot from 25 yards bounced past Loach and into the net three minutes before half time.
The Dutchman saw his free kick fly just wide five minutes after the break, before another shot after the hour crashed back off the crossbar.
As Watford pushed for an equaliser, John Eustace's header was put wide, while Buaben's low effort was snatched up by Cudicini.
The home side's best chance to level came with ten minutes to go as Nyron Nosworthy and Marvin Sordell both had their chances cleared by a determined Spurs defence.
They came close again minutes later, but substitute Mark Yeates's shot was unwittingly blocked by Michael Dawson.
Jack Prescott
