Deeney (88)
Vicarage Road Stadium
npower Championship
(Attendance: 14,022)
Watford 2 Boro 1
Watford 2 Middlesbrough 1
The Boro side showed three changes from the line-up that beat Southampton, with Joe Bennett, Rhys Williams and Marvin Emnes coming in for Tony McMahon, Merouane Zemmama and Scott McDonald.
Scott Loach returned in goal for the Hornets, the only change from the side that drew away at Peterborough.
As planned, the Boro fans started a Tony Mowbray chant as soon as the game got underway, keeping it going for the scheduled duration of five minutes.
It was a game with an even start, both sides going for goal from distance, but neither troubling respective goalkeepers.
An underhit backpass from Seb Hines caused momentary concern as last season's game flashed into mind. But Jason Steele was alert to the danger and cleared.
There was very little between the sides and looked the type of game where it would take something special to break the deadlock.
Faris Haroun went for the goal from the edge of the D but was well off target, then Loach had to palm away a 30-yard drive from Bennett.
The goalkeeper was at full stretch to turn away a low drive from Emnes from the edge of the area. In between the chances news filtered through from Selhurst Park that Wilfried Zaha had put Palace in front and with that news the Boro fans erupted.
Boro were largely in control, without ever dominating in the way they wanted, but the pace and quality of cutting passes was missing.
Steele didn't have a lot to in the opening half hour as Boro were well set up in front of him, but at the other end Loach was in imperious form and made an outstanding stop low to his left to turn away a 14-yard drive from Barry Robson.
A left-wing cross from the touchline from Bennett just dipped over the bar, but in the consideration of referee Hooper it was tipped over. Watford protested, Boro had a corner, and from it they thought they had won another, but Mr Hooper thought otherwise and now it was Boro's turn to complain.
Back came the visitors, Haroun won a header seven yards out, Loach saved again, and from the parry the Hornets scrambled clear.
There was a major scare for Boro with two minutes of the half remaining as Watford attacked down their left. A low cross picked out Chris Iwelumo but the Scotland international chested wide from the edge of the six-yard box.
Half-time: Watford 0 Middlesbrough 0
News of an early equaliser for Cardiff at Selhurst, together with pressure from Watford, kept the Boro fans quiet in the early stages of the second half.
Steele wasn't overworked though and Boro got back into their stride, almost carving an opening with 51 minutes played as Lukas Jutkiewicz fizzed over a low cross and Martin Taylor just reached the ball before Bennett.
Powering through the middle Emnes had options, one of which was Robson to his left, and a powerful shot was deflected for a corner.
That delayed a double change from Mowbray, and when it came, 30 miles away in south-east London Cardiff had edged in front.
'Oh it's all gone quiet over there', 'You'll be back again next year' and 'You're not going up', sang a section of a Watford fans.
Watford had seen more of the ball in the second half and they took the lead with 68 minutes played as a low cross from Troy Deeney was flicked beyond Steele by Chris Iwelumo.
Boro tried to hit back, but a low shot from Robson was comfortably held by Loach.
Deeney wasted a great chance to at least force Steele into a save entering the final 10 minutes as he ran through the middle into a shooting position, but the execution was poor and a low shot rolled wide.
With six minutes remaining Boro drew level as Robson pulled a low ball back to Marvin Emnes, who rifled in his 18th goal of the season from 14 yards.
But joy was short lived as Watford added a second four minutes later with a simple finish from Troy Deeney, who struck a low shot in off Steele's right-hand post from 12 yards.
Soon afterwards news of the final whistle at Selhurst Park came through and Cardiff had come from behind to win and they now take their chance against West Ham in the play-offs.
Boro kept going and it took a goal-line clearance from substitute Adrian Mariappa to prevent Justin Hoyte from levelling.
The response from Boro's fans at the final whistle here was excellent. They stood as a man - and woman - to applaud a team who had given them something to shout about into the second half of the last game of the season.
Scorers: Iwelumo 68, Emnes 84, Deeney 88.
Watford: Kuszczak; Dickinson, Taylor, Doyley, Nosworthy, Eustace (Capt.), Buaben, Murray, Hogg, Deeney, Iwelumo (Mariappa 89). Subs: Gilmartin (gk); Whichelow, Garner, Forsyth.
Middlesbrough: Steele; Hoyte, McManus, Hines, Bennett, Bailey, Haroun (Main 57), Robson (Capt.) Williams, Emnes, Jutkiewicz (McDonald 57). Subs: McMahon, Thomson, Arca. Order of subs: 1) Main 2) Jutkiewicz
Referee: Simon Hooper, Wiltshire.
Bookings
Watford: Taylor, 74, foul.
Middlesbrough: McManus, 46, foul; Bailey 69, dissent.
Attendance: 14,022 (2,020 Boro)
Conditions: Overcast with drizzle
Website Boro Man of the Match: Barry Robson
Possession: Watford 53% Middlesbrough 47%
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Goals |
On target |
Off target |
Corners |
Yellow |
Red | |
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Watford |
2 |
3 |
7 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
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Boro |
1 |
10 |
8 |
7 |
2 |
0 |
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Goal kick taken long by Scott Loach(Watford).
Cross by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough), header by Scott McDonald(Middlesbrough) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed right.
Handball by Lloyd Doyley(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Cross by Troy Deeney(Watford), resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough).
Shot by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Adrian Mariappa(Watford).
Attacking throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Foul by Rhys Williams(Middlesbrough) on Sean Murray(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
Cross by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough), clearance by Sean Murray(Watford).
Attacking throw-in by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough).
Watford substitution: Chris Iwelumo replaced by Adrian Mariappa (tactical).
Cross by Craig Forsyth(Watford), goal by Troy Deeney(Watford) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Watford 2-1 Middlesbrough. Assist (cross) by Craig Forsyth(Watford) from left wing.
Cross by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough), clearance by Martin Taylor(Watford).
Goal kick taken long by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Attacking throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Defending throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Cross by Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough), resulting in open play.
Goal by Marvin Emnes(Middlesbrough) right-footed (top-left of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Watford 1-1 Middlesbrough. Assist (pass) by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) from left side of penalty area.
Goal kick taken long by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Shot by Troy Deeney(Watford) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), missed left.
Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Watford) on Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stephen McManus(Middlesbrough) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Scott McDonald(Middlesbrough) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Watford) on Seb Hines(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough) on Craig Forsyth(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Sean Murray(Watford) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Scott Loach(Watford).
Cross by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough), resulting in ball out of play.
Foul by Martin Taylor(Watford) on Scott McDonald(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) from right channel, passed.
Goal kick taken long by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Goal kick taken long by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Shot by Chris Iwelumo(Watford) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), over the bar.
Shot by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) left-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Scott Loach(Watford).
Foul by John Eustace(Watford) on Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough). John Eustace(Watford) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough) from left channel, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Defending throw-in by Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough).
Foul by John Eustace(Watford) on Scott McDonald(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough) booked for dissent.
Cross by Troy Deeney(Watford), goal by Chris Iwelumo(Watford) left-footed (low centre of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Watford 1-0 Middlesbrough. Assist (cross) by Troy Deeney(Watford) from left side of penalty area.
Shot by Chris Iwelumo(Watford) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Attacking throw-in by Marvin Emnes(Middlesbrough).
Foul by Curtis Main(Middlesbrough) on Craig Forsyth(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by John Eustace(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Foul by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough) on Sean Murray(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Sean Murray(Watford) from left channel, passed.
Cross by Troy Deeney(Watford), save (caught) by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Foul by Curtis Main(Middlesbrough) on Carl Dickinson(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Defending throw-in by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough).
Attacking throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Scott McDonald(Middlesbrough) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Sean Murray(Watford) to near post, clearance by Seb Hines(Middlesbrough).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Sean Murray(Watford) to far post, resulting in open play.
Foul by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough) on Craig Forsyth(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by John Eustace(Watford) from left channel, passed. Shot by Sean Murray(Watford) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough).
Defending throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Goal kick taken long by Scott Loach(Watford).
Foul by Nyron Nosworthy(Watford) on Scott McDonald(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) from right channel, resulting in open play.
Faris Haroun(Middlesbrough) caught offside. Middlesbrough substitution: Faris Haroun replaced by Scott McDonald (tactical).Middlesbrough substitution: Lukas Jutkiewicz replaced by Curtis Main (tactical). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) to near post, clearance by Craig Forsyth(Watford).
Shot by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) left-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by John Eustace(Watford).
Cross by Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough), save (caught) by Scott Loach(Watford).
Cross by Faris Haroun(Middlesbrough), clearance by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Cross by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough), clearance by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) to centre, resulting in open play.
Shot by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), blocked by John Eustace(Watford).
Foul by John Eustace(Watford) on Barry Robson(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) from right channel, resulting in open play.
Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Sean Murray(Watford) to centre, clearance by Seb Hines(Middlesbrough).
Attacking throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Defending throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Goal kick taken long by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Sean Murray(Watford) to centre, resulting in open play.
Foul by Stephen McManus(Middlesbrough) on Jonathan Hogg(Watford). Stephen McManus(Middlesbrough) booked for unsporting behaviour.Watford substitution: Jonathan Hogg replaced by Craig Forsyth (injury). Free kick crossed right-footed by Sean Murray(Watford) from right channel, clearance by Stephen McManus(Middlesbrough).
Goal kick taken long by Scott Loach(Watford).
Goal kick taken long by Scott Loach(Watford).
Attacking throw-in by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough).
Troy Deeney(Watford) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Cross by Prince Buaben(Watford), shot by Chris Iwelumo(Watford) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed left.
Cross by Carl Dickinson(Watford), clearance by Stephen McManus(Middlesbrough).
Attacking throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Shot by Marvin Emnes(Middlesbrough) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Scott Loach(Watford).
Foul by Prince Buaben(Watford) on Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) to near post, clearance by Troy Deeney(Watford).
Cross by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough), header by Faris Haroun(Middlesbrough) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards), save (tipped round post) by Scott Loach(Watford).
Attacking throw-in by Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough).
Cross by Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough), clearance by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Attacking throw-in by Marvin Emnes(Middlesbrough).
Goal kick taken long by Scott Loach(Watford).
Shot by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right.
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) to centre, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Shot by Carl Dickinson(Watford) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), missed right.
Foul by Marvin Emnes(Middlesbrough) on Jonathan Hogg(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Sean Murray(Watford) from right channel, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Attacking throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Attacking throw-in by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough).
Foul by Carl Dickinson(Watford) on Barry Robson(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) from right channel, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) to near post, clearance by Chris Iwelumo(Watford).
Shot by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (tipped round post) by Scott Loach(Watford).
Defending throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Foul by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) on Lloyd Doyley(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Nyron Nosworthy(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Shot by Jonathan Hogg(Watford) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed right.
Foul by John Eustace(Watford) on Rhys Williams(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough) from right channel, passed.
Foul by Prince Buaben(Watford) on Marvin Emnes(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Marvin Emnes(Middlesbrough) from right channel, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Sean Murray(Watford) to far post, save (punched) by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Defending throw-in by Martin Taylor(Watford).
Cross by Jonathan Hogg(Watford), clearance by Seb Hines(Middlesbrough).
Attacking throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Attacking throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Cross by Troy Deeney(Watford), blocked by Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough).
Attacking throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Defending throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Attacking throw-in by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough).
Attacking throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Defending throw-in by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough).
Goal kick taken long by Scott Loach(Watford).
Cross by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough), resulting in ball out of play.
Defending throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).
Defending throw-in by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough).
Cross by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough), clearance by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Foul by Sean Murray(Watford) on Rhys Williams(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) to centre, foul by Marvin Emnes(Middlesbrough) on Scott Loach(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Marvin Emnes(Middlesbrough) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), save (tipped round post) by Scott Loach(Watford).
Foul by Jonathan Hogg(Watford) on Rhys Williams(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Seb Hines(Middlesbrough) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Scott Loach(Watford).
Shot by Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough) left-footed from left channel (35 yards), save (parried) by Scott Loach(Watford).
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) to centre, clearance by John Eustace(Watford).
Cross by Rhys Williams(Middlesbrough), clearance by Nyron Nosworthy(Watford).
Attacking throw-in by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough).
Goal kick taken long by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Cross by Lloyd Doyley(Watford), resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Justin Hoyte(Middlesbrough).
Foul by Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough) on Prince Buaben(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Sean Murray(Watford) from right channel, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough).
Attacking throw-in by Joe Bennett(Middlesbrough).
Troy Deeney(Watford) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Scott Loach(Watford).
Shot by Faris Haroun(Middlesbrough) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), missed left.
Goal kick taken long by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough).
Defending throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Defending throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Chris Iwelumo(Watford) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Scott Loach(Watford).
Shot by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough) right-footed from right channel (35 yards), missed right.
Foul by Jonathan Hogg(Watford) on Marvin Emnes(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Nicky Bailey(Middlesbrough) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Lloyd Doyley(Watford).
Goal kick taken long by Scott Loach(Watford).
Foul by Lloyd Doyley(Watford) on Barry Robson(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Barry Robson(Middlesbrough) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Foul by Troy Deeney(Watford) on Stephen McManus(Middlesbrough). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jason Steele(Middlesbrough) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Carl Dickinson(Watford).