Watford hold off Palace

Tuesday, 09, May 2006 09:50

Watford resisted the challenge from Crystal Palace to win 3-0 on aggregate and progress to the final of the play-offs.

Palace had to overturn a 3-0 first leg deficit but they never looked capable as the teams played out a 0-0 draw.

The game was overshadowed by a 30-man brawl involving the players, both benches and Watford manager Ade Boothroyd, who was sent to the stands after delaying a Palace throw-in which sparked the punch up.

The first half ended goalless as Palace were unable to make the early breakthrough they craved to make a game of it.

Palace were not helped by an injury to Clinton Morrison and his replacement Dougie Freedman failed to make any real impact.

The south London club's best chance came when England stand-by Andy Johnson sped onto a clever through ball but on-loan Manchester United keeper Ben Foster raced out to clear the ball for Watford.

First leg scorer Marlon King was almost in for Watford before the interval but Fitz Hall got back with a superb covering challenge.

As the second half progressed the game slipped away from Palace but Watford showed little inclination to push forward for another goal.

Aside from the unseemly fracas, there was very little excitement as Palace continued in vain to look for a consolation goal.