Watford remain third after Leeds loss

Last updated : 22 March 2006 By Gary Calder

The big break that all Watford fans had been hoping for happened at Elland Road last night as a Jobi McAnuff goal just before half time proved enough for Crystal Palace to defeat Leeds United.

The Tykes and Watford have been vying for third place place ever since Christmas, if not before, but Kevin Blackwell's team has always controlled their own destiny, having had a game in hand on Aidy Boothroyd's team.

That is now not the case, and Leeds remain in fourth spot one point behind the Golden Boys with both sides having seven games left to play.

Victorious Crystal Palace are themselves not entirely out of the automatic promotion equation either following their win in Yorkshire, a fact not lost on Eagles manager, Ian Dowie,

“It's never too late when it's statistically possible.

“Sheffield United are still in the box seat because they've got points in the bag and that's important at this time.

"But we've got to play them and (third-placed) Watford and if we win those, the picture changes."

A reminder that Watford travel to Selhurst Park a week on Friday, 31st March 2006.