Play-off classics

Ahead of the play-off final, we look back into the archives, next up is Watford 3 Leeds 0.

While Crystal Palace can summon up memories of past successes in play-off finals as they ready themselves for another shot at football's biggest jackpot, Watford have also been there, done it and got the t-shirt. In fact, the Hornets have taken that route to the top most recently out of the two. In the last final to be staged at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium before Wembley swung open its doors once more, the Hornets produced a dominant display on Welsh soil which saw them sweep luckless Leeds United aside 3-0. An exciting Watford team, full of potential and promise, never looked like allowing a golden opportunity to pass them by. Leeds, in contrast, struggled to get going and found themselves trailing on 25 minutes to Jay DeMerit's header from an Ashley Young corner. Watford doubled their lead just before the hour mark, with James Chambers seeing a shot flick off Eddie Lewis, cannon off the post and into the back of the net off an unfortunate Neil Sullivan. A memorable day for all of those connected to the Vicarage Road outfit was rounded off six minutes from time when Shaun Derry felled Marlon King inside the box and Darius Henderson calmly slotted home from the penalty spot. Watford will be hoping for more of the same on Monday, as they look to return to the top flight after a six-year absence.