The Hornets finally ran out of luck in what has to be one of the most tedious matches of the year.
Watford never really mounted the waves of attacking football that got them to the finals and each side seemed content to let the match be decided by penalty kicks which, eventually, it was.
Watford's lowest moments this season have come when playing back on defense rather than the relentless attacks that have served them well. Today was no exception. The first half saw no saves needed from Julian Speroni and the Hornets' fortunes went from bad to worse when Matej Vydra went down with ten minutes left in the first half and had to be pulled at half-time.
The Eagles did manage one flurry of attacks and corners late in the second half, but Manuel Almunia rose to the occasion to bat away all Palace scoring chances.
Two knackered squads squared off for the extra 30 minutes and it looked like it was headed to a shoot-out when a weary Marco Cassetti hauled down Wilfreid Zaha in the penalty area. Former Hornet Kevin Phillips slotted the game winner with fifteen minutes left and that was all she wrote.
It's been a great season. Watford probably should have been out before this, but they always fought back and played entertaining football.
Here's to a great season and an even better one next year.
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