With six consecutive wins behind them the Hornets have leapt back into the play-off battle, but Taylor knows the job is far from done.

"A lot of people will have taken a lot of satisfaction from us going back into the play-off places, but the important thing is still to be there after 46 games," said Taylor.

The Hornets have striker Allan Smart available after a three-game suspension and with Michel Ngonge shaking off a knee injury he picked up in Tuesday night's win at Port Vale, they go into the game at Oakwell at full strength.

Almost 2,000 Watford fans will make the trip north, the Hornets having sold their entire allocation of tickets by Wednesday lunchtime.

"Six games ago we didn't know what our chances were, but now we know that if we win our last two games, no-one can stop us going into the play-offs," added Taylor.

"My philosophy is focus on yourself and your own performance. Have confidence and belief but never assume anything. Things don't just fall into place, you have to work for them.

"Tomorrow's game and our last game against Grimsby the following Sunday are very, very important.

"Because we have had this tremendous run of wins and got back into the top six, there is a temptation to think we are 'already there'. But we are not there yet."

However, the Grimsby game will NOT be all-ticket, and both the Vicarage
Road AND Rookery Ends will be available to Watford fans.

Any fan attending the Grimsby game will be given priority for one Wembley
Play-Off Final ticket.

Season Ticket holders have a voucher in their books to give them priority for a ticket.

If you buy a ticket in advance for the Grimsby game, you must retain the stub.

If you pay on the day, you will receive a stub at the turnstile, which must be kept.

Complimentary tickets for the Grimsby game DO NOT apply for this offer.
 

Tickets for the Grimsby game can be purchased in advance for the Main Stand, Upper Rous and Lower Rous. However, demand is already high.

Family Tickets are available in the Main Stand and Lower Rous at £14 for adults, £10 for second adult, £8 for 13 to 15-year-olds and £5 for 12 and unders. There must be a full-paying adult in the party.

When Family Tickets are sold out in the Main Stand and Lower Rous, there will be no other family tickets available in other areas of the ground.

Prices for the remainder of the stadium are:

Upper Rous £16, no concessions (available in advance)

Vicarage Road End/Rookery End £14 adults, £10 concessions (Pay on the day only)

Having both the Vicarage Road End and Rookery End available for Watford fans means there will be 11,500 unreserved seats available on the day of the game.

Watford chairman Sir Elton John will be among the writers, and there will also be details of the proposed Membership Scheme at the club.

A special offer of discount at the Original Levi's Store in Watford will also be in the programme, as will details of how to gain free internet access via Watford Football Club.

Boreham Wood have been badly hit by injuries and with games on Saturday and Monday before the Cup Final, they are struggling to field a team.

However, at present the game still goes ahead at the County Ground, Baldock Road, Letchworth, at 7.30pm.

Fans planning to attend the game are advised to check with Watford ClubCall and the Official Website nearer the time.

First blood went to Ipswich but Johann Gudmundsson equalised to bring the score to 1 - 1at half time. Earlier optimism was dashed when the team went on to let in three poor goals to bring the final score to 4-1 to Ipswich.

Despite the result the Reserves are still second in the Avon Combination.

That means there WILL BE NO TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE DAY.

Watford received an allocation of 1,970 tickets and, as at 1pm on Wednesday April 28, there were 500 tickets still available.

Tickets cost £15 for adults, £9 for Under-16s and £9 for senior citizens.

Further updates on the number of Watford tickets remaining will be given on the Watford FC Ticketline 0891 400 401 (calls cost 50p per minute)

Mooney struck in each half to win a game that threatened to boil over and which saw Vale's Stewart Talbot suffer a double leg fracture.

The Hornets were well in charge when they took the lead, but the decision by referee Mr Cain to award a penalty for an off-the-ball incident changed the pattern.

Watford had to regroup but then took control again after the break and more than deserved their victory.

The Hornets could have been ahead after five minutes when Mooney's superb curling pass found Michel Ngonge who flicked the ball wide.

Mooney then saw a shot run right across the goalline and twice went close with headers before finally hitting the net in the 23rd minute.

Robert Page drilled a fine free kick into the path of Paul Robinson who rolled the ball back. Mooney had space and made the most of it by planting a low shot past Paul Musselwhite.

However, within three minutes the home side were level. As the Watford defence cleared their lines Vale's Allen Lee appeared to catch Steve Palmer with a late challenge. A flare-up followed and, after talking to his linesman, referee Mr Cain booked Palmer and awarded a penalty. Tommy Widdrington stepped and beat Alec Chamberlain from the spot.

Shortly after came the flashpoint that left Vale manager Brian Horton fuming. Close to the dug-outs Robinson launched a challenge on Talbot that manager Graham Taylor described as "reckless and silly". Talbot was stretchered off with what was later diagnosed as a double leg fracture. Referee Mr Cain showed Robinson the yellow card.

The rest of the first half was something of a non-event after that, but the second half came to life with Mooney's 59th-minute winner.

Chamberlain's long clearance was flicked on by the impressive Ngonge and Mooney raced away. Vale keeper Musselwhite blocked his first shot but the striker nipped past him to knock home the loose ball.

The home side had the ball in the net after 65 minutes when Tony Rougier shot home, but the effort was ruled out as the Vale man had pulled back Darren Bazeley on his way through.

As Vale ran out of ideas the Hornets threatened to add another. First Peter Kennedy sent a fierce driving against the post after a magnificent pass from Alon Hazan, and then in stoppage time Musselwhite denied Mooney a hat-trick with a diving save.

PORT VALE: Musselwhite, Aspin, Tankard, Brammer, Beesley, Eyre, Talbot, Rougier, Lee, Foyle, Widdrington. 

Subs: Snijders for Talbot after 32 mins; Naylor for Foyle after 63 mins; Allen for Eyre after 70 mins.

WATFORD: Chamberlain, Bazeley, Kennedy, Page, Palmer, Robinson, Ngonge, Hyde, Mooney, Johnson, Wright. 

Subs: Hazan for Wright after 80 mins; Smith
and Easton not used.

Attendance: 7,126  Referee: Mr G Cain

"That's six wins on the trot and in any division that is a tremendous achievement. All credit to the players for that," he said.

"It puts us into the play-off places and we are right up there and challenging, but there is always a banana skin waiting for someone and we have to make sure we don't find it in our next two games.

"We have only been out of the top eight once all season but, after the turn of the year, it did look as if we were dropping out of contention. But the players have got themselves back into it.

"You don't get to where we are after 44 games by chance."

"I've never had a month like it," said fans'-favourite Mooney. "I've scored a few important goals but the lads have done well generally and we deserve to be in the position we are.

"I'm pleased when anyone scores, as long as we win. Tonight at Port Vale was always going to be difficult because they are fighting for their lives.

"There were a few incidents in the game that you don't expect and so we had to cope with that as well. We just got on with it and were very professional.

"I thought Michel was fantastic tonight. He made my second goal and was so strong and powerful throughout.

"The fans were great tonight. I have a very special relationship with them and long may that continue."

Alec CHAMBERLAIN
Darren BAZELEY
Peter KENNEDY
Robert PAGE
Steve PALMER
Paul ROBINSON
Michel NGONGE
Micah HYDE
Tommy MOONEY
Richard JOHNSON
Nick WRIGHT

Subs
Tommy SMITH
Alon HAZAN
Clint EASTON

Port Vale
Paul MUSSELWHITE
Neil ASPIN
Allen TANKARD
David BRAMMER
Richard EYRE
Stewart TALBOT
Tony ROUGIER
Allen LEE
Martin FOYCE
Tommy WIDDRINGTON

Subs
Tony NAYLOR
Chris ALLEN
Mark SNIJDERS

Referee: Mr G. CAIN

PORT VALE (Tuesday April 27, 7.45pm)

Admission: Adults £15, Under-16s £11, Senior citizens £11

It is pay on the night.

There are a maximum of 4,550 seats available for Watford supporters.

Vale are offering a special deal of two free Under-16s tickets with a paying adult, if booked in advance through the Port Vale Ticket Office.

This offer applies for credit card phone bookings only, and is available until 12noon on Tuesday April 27. The Port Vale Ticket Office number is (01782) 814134.

BARNSLEY (Saturday May 1, 3pm)

Admission: Adults £15, Under-16s £9, Senior citizens £9

This game is NOT all-ticket. However, tickets are available in advance and we advise fans planning to travel to purchase a ticket before they go.

There will be no concessionary tickets available on the day.

A total of 1,994 tickets are available to Watford supporters, and are on sale in the Watford Ticket Office now (01923) 496010. They will be available until 5pm on Friday April 30 - but please note that tickets cannot be posted out after Wednesday April 28.

Any tickets not sold in advance will be available on the day at Barnsley.

However, because of the demand created by Watford's recent results, there is the possibility that all 1,994 tickets of Watford's allocation could be sold out in advance.

A 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace stretched the Hornets' winning sequence to five games, and they know if they can maintain that run for the remaining three games, they will be guaranteed a place in the play-offs.

There are doubts over the fitness of Watford's on-loan striker Guy Whittingham, who sustained a toe injury in the victory over Palace, while the Hornets must also do without the services of another striker, Allan Smart, who will be completing a three-game suspension.

"There were some very good results for us elsewhere over the weekend, but the most pleasing aspect of it all was that we won again," said Watford manager Graham Taylor.

"I am continually stressing to the players that the only result to focus upon is the result of the game we are involved in. Having said that, other results did go our way and now we are in a position where we know that, if we win our remaining three games, we will finish in a play-off position, no matter what anybody else does.

"Port Vale will be very difficult opposition for us, because they need the points just as much as we do. They know that, if they lose tomorrow night,  it could well lead to them being relegated.

"In the position they are, Port Vale are rather like a wounded animal - and it is often said that wounded animals are the most dangerous."

Another goal from man-of-the-moment Tommy Mooney sealed victory although the Hornets should have been out of sight long before Palace pulled a goal back near the end.

Only some excellent saves from former Watford keeper Kevin Miller denied the Hornets the sort of winning margin they deserved, but a win is a win -
and that is exactly what Watford needed after Bolton's Friday night defeat and ahead of Wolves' derby with West Brom on Sunday.

Watford had the perfect start. Micah Hyde's corner was cleared but the ball was returned to him by Peter Kennedy. Hyde hit a low cross towards the near post where Sun Jihai may have blocked Miller's view, the keeper allowing the ball to squirm past him and into the net.

However, Miller more than made up for that as he denied Mooney with a fine tip over, blocked Nick Wright's low drive and then flicked away a ferocious 25-yard effort from Kennedy as the Hornets powered forward in the first half.

Shortly after the interval there was a let-off for Watford as a cross dropped at the feet of Clinton Morrison inside the six-yard box. The Palace made had time to control it but then saw his shot smothered by a pack of Hornets defenders.

Watford then cemented their advantage with a second goal after 52 minutes.

Kennedy drove a free kick from the right and substitute Michel Ngonge rose well to head down for the following Mooney to score.

Ngonge then shot wide after being put through before Miller excelled again to parry Mooney's full-length diving header.

Alec Chamberlain was forced to push away a Leon McKenzie header before Fan Zhiyi sent a long-range effort just over.

Both Mooney and Hyde shot over the top before Palace gave the home fans a scare in the 86th minute. A cross from the right was headed down by Morrison and McKenzie swept the ball past Chamberlain. It did not stop the Watford march though.

Watford: Chamberlain, Bazeley, Kennedy, Page, Palmer, Robinson, Whittingham, Hyde, Mooney, Johnson, Wright. 

Subs: Ngonge for Whittingham
after 45 mins; Smith for Wright after 79 mins; Hazan not used.

C Palace: Miller, Jihai, Petric, Austin, Woozley, Thomson, Foster, Zhiyi, McKenzie, Morrison, Mullins. 

Subs: Frampton for Petric after six minutes; Carlisle for Jihai after 45 mins; Graham for Thomson after 77 mins.

Attendance: 15,590  Referee: Eddie Lomas (Manchester)

"The only real criticism you could level at us today was that, for the second successive game, we haven't killed the opposition off when we had the chance," he said.

"There was a chance again today to help our 'goals for' column and we didn't take them. We have played well in our last two games, been well on top and yet only scored three goals.

"At Crewe last week I said I felt we gave a 4-0 performance and got a 1-0 win. Well, I feel it was similar scenario today.

"Give Palace some credit though. They came here and played three men in attack, and went to great lengths to leave those three men up at all times.

So, when we attacked, it left us a little on edge. They took the risk of getting a beating because they wanted the chance to catch us out at the back.

"To solve that problem we needed to find a third goal - but we couldn't and we had to endure a nervous last few minutes."

Taylor paid tribute to his players after their fifth successive victory.

"I can't complain about the effort of my players. Five straight wins in any league, no matter what level, takes some doing. To get a run like this is to the immense credit of the players.

"But the important thing now is to make sure we stay focussed on what we do and not worry about what the likes of Bolton or Wolves are doing.

"I know supporters will start doing their sums and looking at the permutations. But I have to make sure the players stay concentrated on our next game and that we take just one step at a time. That is what has got us to this point.

"We now have a very difficult game at Port Vale, who are a team fighting for their lives at the other end of the table. It won't be easy - but there is a great incentive. If we can win there, then we will lift ourselves back into the play-off places. Nobody else's results can affect that.

"Once we have played Port Vale, then perhaps we can look at Friday when Bolton play Wolves. They can't both win it, one or both of them has to drop points."

Mooney struck in each half to win a game that threatened to boil over and which saw Vale's Stewart Talbot suffer a double leg fracture.

The Hornets were well in charge when they took the lead, but the decision by referee Mr Cain to award a penalty for an off-the-ball incident changed the pattern.

Watford had to regroup but then took control again after the break and more than deserved their victory.

The Hornets could have been ahead after five minutes when Mooney's superb curling pass found Michel Ngonge who flicked the ball wide.

Mooney then saw a shot run right across the goalline and twice went close with headers before finally hitting the net in the 23rd minute.

Robert Page drilled a fine free kick into the path of Paul Robinson who rolled the ball back. Mooney had space and made the most of it by planting a low shot past Paul Musselwhite.

However, within three minutes the home side were level. As the Watford defence cleared their lines Vale's Allen Lee appeared to catch Steve Palmer with a late challenge. A flare-up followed and, after talking to his linesman, referee Mr Cain booked Palmer and awarded a penalty. Tommy Widdrington stepped and beat Alec Chamberlain from the spot.

Shortly after came the flashpoint that left Vale manager Brian Horton fuming. Close to the dug-outs Robinson launched a challenge on Talbot that manager Graham Taylor described as "reckless and silly". Talbot was stretchered off with what was later diagnosed as a double leg fracture. Referee Mr Cain showed Robinson the yellow card.

The rest of the first half was something of a non-event after that, but the second half came to life with Mooney's 59th-minute winner.

Chamberlain's long clearance was flicked on by the impressive Ngonge and Mooney raced away. Vale keeper Musselwhite blocked his first shot but the striker nipped past him to knock home the loose ball.

The home side had the ball in the net after 65 minutes when Tony Rougier shot home, but the effort was ruled out as the Vale man had pulled back Darren Bazeley on his way through.

As Vale ran out of ideas the Hornets threatened to add another. First Peter Kennedy sent a fierce driving against the post after a magnificent pass from Alon Hazan, and then in stoppage time Musselwhite denied Mooney a hat-trick with a diving save.

PORT VALE: Musselwhite, Aspin, Tankard, Brammer, Beesley, Eyre, Talbot, Rougier, Lee, Foyle, Widdrington. 

Subs: Snijders for Talbot after 32 mins; Naylor for Foyle after 63 mins; Allen for Eyre after 70 mins.

WATFORD: Chamberlain, Bazeley, Kennedy, Page, Palmer, Robinson, Ngonge, Hyde, Mooney, Johnson, Wright. 

Subs: Hazan for Wright after 80 mins; Smith
and Easton not used.

Attendance: 7,126  Referee: Mr G Cain

"That's six wins on the trot and in any division that is a tremendous achievement. All credit to the players for that," he said.

"It puts us into the play-off places and we are right up there and challenging, but there is always a banana skin waiting for someone and we have to make sure we don't find it in our next two games.

"We have only been out of the top eight once all season but, after the turn of the year, it did look as if we were dropping out of contention. But the players have got themselves back into it.

"You don't get to where we are after 44 games by chance."

"I've never had a month like it," said fans'-favourite Mooney. "I've scored a few important goals but the lads have done well generally and we deserve to be in the position we are.

"I'm pleased when anyone scores, as long as we win. Tonight at Port Vale was always going to be difficult because they are fighting for their lives.

"There were a few incidents in the game that you don't expect and so we had to cope with that as well. We just got on with it and were very professional.

"I thought Michel was fantastic tonight. He made my second goal and was so strong and powerful throughout.

"The fans were great tonight. I have a very special relationship with them and long may that continue."

Alec CHAMBERLAIN
Darren BAZELEY
Peter KENNEDY
Robert PAGE
Steve PALMER
Paul ROBINSON
Michel NGONGE
Micah HYDE
Tommy MOONEY
Richard JOHNSON
Nick WRIGHT

Subs
Tommy SMITH
Alon HAZAN
Clint EASTON

Port Vale
Paul MUSSELWHITE
Neil ASPIN
Allen TANKARD
David BRAMMER
Richard EYRE
Stewart TALBOT
Tony ROUGIER
Allen LEE
Martin FOYCE
Tommy WIDDRINGTON

Subs
Tony NAYLOR
Chris ALLEN
Mark SNIJDERS

Referee: Mr G. CAIN

PORT VALE (Tuesday April 27, 7.45pm)

Admission: Adults £15, Under-16s £11, Senior citizens £11

It is pay on the night.

There are a maximum of 4,550 seats available for Watford supporters.

Vale are offering a special deal of two free Under-16s tickets with a paying adult, if booked in advance through the Port Vale Ticket Office.

This offer applies for credit card phone bookings only, and is available until 12noon on Tuesday April 27. The Port Vale Ticket Office number is (01782) 814134.

BARNSLEY (Saturday May 1, 3pm)

Admission: Adults £15, Under-16s £9, Senior citizens £9

This game is NOT all-ticket. However, tickets are available in advance and we advise fans planning to travel to purchase a ticket before they go.

There will be no concessionary tickets available on the day.

A total of 1,994 tickets are available to Watford supporters, and are on sale in the Watford Ticket Office now (01923) 496010. They will be available until 5pm on Friday April 30 - but please note that tickets cannot be posted out after Wednesday April 28.

Any tickets not sold in advance will be available on the day at Barnsley.

However, because of the demand created by Watford's recent results, there is the possibility that all 1,994 tickets of Watford's allocation could be sold out in advance.

A 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace stretched the Hornets' winning sequence to five games, and they know if they can maintain that run for the remaining three games, they will be guaranteed a place in the play-offs.

There are doubts over the fitness of Watford's on-loan striker Guy Whittingham, who sustained a toe injury in the victory over Palace, while the Hornets must also do without the services of another striker, Allan Smart, who will be completing a three-game suspension.

"There were some very good results for us elsewhere over the weekend, but the most pleasing aspect of it all was that we won again," said Watford manager Graham Taylor.

"I am continually stressing to the players that the only result to focus upon is the result of the game we are involved in. Having said that, other results did go our way and now we are in a position where we know that, if we win our remaining three games, we will finish in a play-off position, no matter what anybody else does.

"Port Vale will be very difficult opposition for us, because they need the points just as much as we do. They know that, if they lose tomorrow night,  it could well lead to them being relegated.

"In the position they are, Port Vale are rather like a wounded animal - and it is often said that wounded animals are the most dangerous."

Another goal from man-of-the-moment Tommy Mooney sealed victory although the Hornets should have been out of sight long before Palace pulled a goal back near the end.

Only some excellent saves from former Watford keeper Kevin Miller denied the Hornets the sort of winning margin they deserved, but a win is a win -
and that is exactly what Watford needed after Bolton's Friday night defeat and ahead of Wolves' derby with West Brom on Sunday.

Watford had the perfect start. Micah Hyde's corner was cleared but the ball was returned to him by Peter Kennedy. Hyde hit a low cross towards the near post where Sun Jihai may have blocked Miller's view, the keeper allowing the ball to squirm past him and into the net.

However, Miller more than made up for that as he denied Mooney with a fine tip over, blocked Nick Wright's low drive and then flicked away a ferocious 25-yard effort from Kennedy as the Hornets powered forward in the first half.

Shortly after the interval there was a let-off for Watford as a cross dropped at the feet of Clinton Morrison inside the six-yard box. The Palace made had time to control it but then saw his shot smothered by a pack of Hornets defenders.

Watford then cemented their advantage with a second goal after 52 minutes.

Kennedy drove a free kick from the right and substitute Michel Ngonge rose well to head down for the following Mooney to score.

Ngonge then shot wide after being put through before Miller excelled again to parry Mooney's full-length diving header.

Alec Chamberlain was forced to push away a Leon McKenzie header before Fan Zhiyi sent a long-range effort just over.

Both Mooney and Hyde shot over the top before Palace gave the home fans a scare in the 86th minute. A cross from the right was headed down by Morrison and McKenzie swept the ball past Chamberlain. It did not stop the Watford march though.

Watford: Chamberlain, Bazeley, Kennedy, Page, Palmer, Robinson, Whittingham, Hyde, Mooney, Johnson, Wright. 

Subs: Ngonge for Whittingham
after 45 mins; Smith for Wright after 79 mins; Hazan not used.

C Palace: Miller, Jihai, Petric, Austin, Woozley, Thomson, Foster, Zhiyi, McKenzie, Morrison, Mullins. 

Subs: Frampton for Petric after six minutes; Carlisle for Jihai after 45 mins; Graham for Thomson after 77 mins.

Attendance: 15,590  Referee: Eddie Lomas (Manchester)

"The only real criticism you could level at us today was that, for the second successive game, we haven't killed the opposition off when we had the chance," he said.

"There was a chance again today to help our 'goals for' column and we didn't take them. We have played well in our last two games, been well on top and yet only scored three goals.

"At Crewe last week I said I felt we gave a 4-0 performance and got a 1-0 win. Well, I feel it was similar scenario today.

"Give Palace some credit though. They came here and played three men in attack, and went to great lengths to leave those three men up at all times.

So, when we attacked, it left us a little on edge. They took the risk of getting a beating because they wanted the chance to catch us out at the back.

"To solve that problem we needed to find a third goal - but we couldn't and we had to endure a nervous last few minutes."

Taylor paid tribute to his players after their fifth successive victory.

"I can't complain about the effort of my players. Five straight wins in any league, no matter what level, takes some doing. To get a run like this is to the immense credit of the players.

"But the important thing now is to make sure we stay focussed on what we do and not worry about what the likes of Bolton or Wolves are doing.

"I know supporters will start doing their sums and looking at the permutations. But I have to make sure the players stay concentrated on our next game and that we take just one step at a time. That is what has got us to this point.

"We now have a very difficult game at Port Vale, who are a team fighting for their lives at the other end of the table. It won't be easy - but there is a great incentive. If we can win there, then we will lift ourselves back into the play-off places. Nobody else's results can affect that.

"Once we have played Port Vale, then perhaps we can look at Friday when Bolton play Wolves. They can't both win it, one or both of them has to drop points."

Very poor digital camera shot taken during game.

Alec CHAMBERLAIN
Darren BAZELEY
Peter KENNEDY
Robert PAGE
Steve PALMER
Paul ROBINSON
Guy WHITTINGHAM
Micah HYDE
Tommy MOONEY
Richard JOHNSON
Nick WRIGHT

Subs
Tommy SMITH
Alon HAZAN
Michel NGONGE

Crystal Palace

Kevin MILLER
Sun JIHAI
Gordan PETRIC
Dean AUSTIN
David WOOZLEY
Stephen THOMPSON
Craig FOSTER
Fan ZHIYI
Leon McKENZIE
Clinton MORRISON
Hayden MULLINS

Subs

Wayne CARLISLE
Gareth GRAHAM
Andrew FRAMPTON

Referee: Eddie Lomas (Manchester)

Elton John prize is up for grabs

---

You still have the chance to win a very special prize on offer on the Watford FC Prizeline (0891 400 401, calls cost 50p per minute).

Sir Elton John recently released his new album, Aida, an adaptation of the Verdi opera by Sir Elton and Tim Rice for a new Disney stage musical.

The abum features Elton's recent duet with LeAnn Rimes as well as performances by Sting, Tina Turner, The Spice Girls, Shania Twain, Lenny Kravitz and James Taylor.

We have a special promotional copy of the CD to give away, which comes with a book containing an interview with Elton and Tim Rice and a calendar with pictures of the stars who sing on the album.

To be in with a chance of winning this very special prize, simply give our Prizeline a call.

Johnson missed last week's 1-0 win at Crewe due to a one-match suspension.

Striker Allan Smart will miss the game though, as he continues to serve a three-match ban.

The good news for Watford - who could climb into the play-off places with a victory - is that Nick Wright (ankle) and Darren Bazeley (hip) have shaken off injuries and will be available for selection.

"We are the chasing club and things are getting very exciting, but we must make sure we focus purely on Crystal Palace and not on what is going on around us," said Watford boss Graham Taylor.

"We have to make sure we get three points out of the game and let everything and everyone else look after themselves.

"There is no point worrying about what other teams do, because the only result we can actually affect is our own result. Whatever may be happening elsewhere, we must concentrate on what is happening in our game against Crystal Palace.

"I believe that Palace are the most improved side in the First Division. At one stage they looked like they might be in the battle for one of the play-off places.

"Everything we have done is geared towards getting three points from this game. The most important thing for us right now is to take each step as it comes."

Back us now in our Premiership bid and if we're successful we'll give you Premiership football at First Division prices.

If we're still in Division One, we'll give you EVERY home Cup tie we play in the Worthington Cup or Axa-sponsored FA Cup.

That could mean up to 10 Cup ties - meaning the book could contain 33 match tickets.

But the Hornets are stressing these offers are only open for a limited period for 13 days: between Monday April 26 and Saturday May 8 inclusive.

However, existing season ticket holders have been written to this week and allowed to take up this offer immediately.

When the club knows which division it's playing in next season, a new price structure will be announced.

The full details of next season's prices are included in a special insert to Saturday's match programme. The insert will show that adult prices in the home end are now £343. In addition existing season ticket holders receive a rebate for un-played Cup games this season. This rebate is only for supporters who purchased season tickets on or before January 8, 1999.

Matchday costs for Division One football are also included in the insert. For adults in the home end, these move up from £14 to £15 and in the upper tier of the Rous Stand from £16 to £18. As last season, certain matches will be designated 'Category A' once the fixture are announced.

Discounts for family groups have again been included.

The club will also use the insert to bring fans' attention to two other issues.

1. Given the offer to include tickets for every home Cup tie if the club remain in Division One, the practice of giving refunds for unplayed Cup games will cease. If the club's Cup runneth over, so does supporters.

2. No season tickets can be purchased in the Vicarage Road End, given the switch to the Rookery End. But Rookery End season ticket holders will be able to use the Vicarage Road End, if and when it's made available to Watford supporters.

"We genuinely feel we have made fans an attractive offer," says Hornets' chief executive Howard Wells

'This price structure has taken many, many hours of discussion to arrive at – and has been pleasantly complicated by the team's recent run which has put us within touching distance of a play-off place.

'There are two outcomes I hope result from our offer. Firstly, that as many fans as possible take it up and secondly, that we can deliver our offer and give the supporters Premiership football next season."
 

1999/2000 PRICES FOR EXISTING SEASON TICKET HOLDERS
Area	Cost	Monthly Cost	Total Price	Standard Match Cost
Rookery Stand, East Stand & Lower Rous		Easy payment method over 10 months	APR: 29.6%	Division One Only
Adults	310.00	34.87	348.70	15.00
2nd Parent*	140.00	15.75	157.50	11.00
Senior Citizen/Student*	225.00	25.31	253.10	11.00
Child (13-15)*	55.00	9.00	90.00	8.00
Child (12 & under)*	44.00	4.95	49.50	5.00
Concessions*	225.00	25.31	253.10	11.00
Upper Rous Stand
Adults	360.00	40.50	405.00	18.00
2nd Parent*	140.00	15.75	157.50	18.00
Senior Citizen/Student*	225.00	25.31	253.10	18.00
Child (13-15)*	55.00	9.00	90.00	18.00
Child (12 & under)*	44.00	4.95	49.50	18.00
Concessions*	300.00	33.75	337.50	18.00
Wheelchair Areas & Blind Supporters
Chairbound	45.00	5.06	50.60	6.00
Blind	FREE	N/A	N/A	FREE
Helper	177.00	19.91	199.10	15.00

*Family deal only applies when there is a full-paying adult and a child in the party.
*Second parent only applies when full paying adult and children in party.
*Senior citizens and student concessions on their own must pay concession pricethe lower p price only applies as part of a family deal.
 

1998/2000 PRICES FOR NEW SEASON TICKET HOLDERS
Area	Cost	Monthly Cost	Total Price	Standard Match Cost
Rookery Stand, East Stand & Lower Rous		Easy payment method over 10 months	APR: 29.6%	Division One Only
Adults	343.00	38.59	385.90	15.00
2nd Parent	156.00	17.55	175.50	11.00
Senior Citizen/Student	248.00	27.90	279.90	11.00
Child (13-15)	90.00	10.12	101.20	8.00
Child (12 & under)	50.00	5.62	56.20	5.00
Concessions	248.00	27.90	279.90	11.00
Upper Rous Stand
Adults	401.00	45.11	451.10	18.00
2nd Parent*	156.00	17.55	175.50	18.00
Senior Citizen/Student*	248.00	27.90	279.90	18.00
Child (13-15)*	90.00	10.12	101.20	18.00
Child (12 & under)*	50.00	5.62	56.20	18.00
Concessions*	333.00	37.46	374.60	18.00
Wheelchair Areas & Blind Supporters
Chairbound	50.00	5.62	56.20	6.00
Blind	FREE	N/A	N/A	FREE
Helper	199.00	22.39	223.90	15.00

*Family deal only applies when there is a full-paying adult and a child in the party.
*Second parent only applies when full paying adult and children in party.
*Senior citizens and student concessions on their own must pay concession pricethe lower p price only applies as part of a family deal.

The Hornets will travel to Vale Park on Tuesday April 27, 7.45pm kick-off.

It will still be pay on the night - £15 for adults and £11 for Under-16s and senior citizens.

Fans who purchased tickets under Vale's special offer of two child tickets free with an adult ticket will still be able to collect those tickets on the night. Vale are extending that offer - it will run from 9am on Monday April 26 to 12noon on Tuesday April 27. Tickets for this offer must be purchsed by credit card from the Vale Ticket Office on (01782) 814134.

The Cobblers, fielding former Watford striker Paul Wilkinson, were as good as beaten after 20 minutes as the Hornets raced into a 3-0 lead.

A fine run from Adrian Bakalli set up the first goal after 12 minutes. His pass enabled Michel Ngonge to lay the ball back for Easton to drive a 20-yard strike into the top corner.

In the 18th minute Johann Gudmundsson hit a free-kick to the near post where Colin Pluck pounced to turn the ball in.

Two minutes later it was three. Gudmundsson again played a major part, this time with a 40-yard run that foxed the Northampton defence and, when the ball ran loose, Tommy Smith swept it home.

The fourth goal, after 62 minutes, was a perfect example of the famous Watford exploding wall free-kick routine. Easton stepped up as his teammates parted and curled a stunning 20-yard shot over the Cobblers wall and past a stranded keeper.

The rout was completed 12 minutes from time as Ngonge sped down the right and then cleverly dragged the ball back for Gudmundsson to ram home a low shot.

Watford Reserves: Day, Gibbs, Perpetuini, Bakalli, Ward, Pluck, Gudmundsson, Smith, Ngonge, Easton, Lambert.

Subs: Johnson for Lambert after 89 mins; Brooker and Langston not used.

The Hornets team includes Johann Gudmundsson, Nigel Gibbs, Tommy Smith and Michel Ngonge.

Northampton, meanwhile, are likely to field former Watford striker Paul Wilkinson as well as first-team manager Ian Atkins.

The match, at Northwood, kicks off at 7.30pm.

New date TBA

It appears that although he is doubtful, both teams are keen to play. We will give you more news as we get it.

Officials at Vale Park have asked the referee to inspect the pitch, and this will take place at 2.30pm.

We will update the official site as soon as we have any further news.

His return is the only change to the players who travelled to Gresty Road.

Allan Smart is still suspended while manager Graham Taylor is hoping to see his team record their fifth consecutive victory and reports no serious injuries from that success.

He says, "In some respects this will be a very difficult challenge from the one we faced at Crewe. Yes, Vale, like Crewe are fighting for their lives but I think they will be more direct. When we were in possession on Saturday we did not have much pressure on us. We will not get time on the ball against Port Vale."

Assessing the situation as the race for the play-offs enters its' closing stages, Graham Taylor adds. "If we win our last four games that will take us to 79 points and we will be unfortunate not to gain a play-off place if we accumulate that total."

Club captain Robert Page says, "Port Vale on Tuesday is another big test for us, but if everyone keeps playing as they are I am confident of another three points."

That is their reward for their 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Two goals by Grant Cornock and one from Craig Farley saw the young Hornets avenge last month's Times FA Youth Cup defeat by the Midlands club.

Watford's Under-17's side lost their latest play-off match 3-1 at Newcastle on Saturday with Fabian Forde netting their consolation goal.

Graham Taylor gave Frenchman Alex Bonnot his first start as a replacement for the suspended Richard Johnson and Guy Whittingham returned to lead their attack, instead of Allan Smart who started a three-match ban.

The match winner, though, was striker Tommy Mooney, who struck a low volley from 10 yards into the bottom corner of Jason Kearton's net after 24 minutes. 

Mooney's third goal in consecutive first division matches came after a good spell of Watford pressure. Mooney also came closest to adding to Watford's tally, when his late 25 yard thunderbolt came back off the bar.

Watford comfortably controlled most of the game. In fact first half shots from Rodney Jack, which went over the bar and Mark Rivers, who put his effort wide, summed up the major threats to Alec Chamberlain's goal. In fact in the second half Tommy Mooney, Guy Whittingham and substitute Michel Ngonge all had chances, but the one first half effort from Tommy Mooney was enough to give Watford the points.

The result means Watford travel to the rearranged match at Port Vale on Tuesday night three points away from the play-off places, following victories for rivals Wolves and Bolton Wanderers.

Reflecting on victory at Gresty Road, manager Graham Taylor said "The players did very well, I think we've controlled the majority of the game, but haven't shown that control by the number of goals. It was like a 3-0 or 4-0 performance, but a 1-0 result. I was pleased with Alex Bonnot and thought the little fellow did well for his first full 90 minutes in English football."

Speaking on Watford Clubcall, Tommy Mooney added "We've worked very, very hard. We're certainly creating chances and while we are doing that I will always fancy myself to score."

Mooney, who remains a hugely popular player with Watford fans thanked them for their backing, "I've had some good times at Watford, it's always nice to get the reaction from the supporters."

Now thoughts are turning towards the next installment of the exciting climax to the season at Port Vale  on Tuesday with Graham Taylor saying "If we win our last four games that would take us to 79 points and we'd be most unfortunate not to get a play-off place with that total."

Crewe: Kearton, D Wright, S Smith, S Macauley, Walton, Charnock, 
J Wright, Johnson, Jack, Murphy, Rivers.

Subs: Newell for Wright (68 mins), Foran and Unswroth not used.

Watford: Chamberlain, Bazeley, Kennedy, Page, Palmer, Robinson, Whittingham, Hyde, Mooney, Bonnot, Wright.

Subs: Tommy Smith, Hazan for Wright (90 mins) Ngonge for Whittingham 
(77 mins).

(No bookings).

Alec CHAMBERLAIN
Darren BAZELEY
Peter KENNEDY
Robert PAGE
Steve PALMER
Paul ROBINSON
Guy WHITTINGHAM
Micah HYDE
Tommy MOONEY
Alexandre BONNOT
Nick WRIGHT

Subs
Tommy SMITH
Alon HAZAN
Michel NGONGE

Crewe Alexandra

Jason KEARTON
David WRIGHT
Shaun SMITH
Steve MACAULEY
Dave WALTON
Phiil CHARNOCK
Jermaine WRIGHT
Seth JOHNSON
Rodney JACK
Danny MURPHY
Mark RIVERS

Subs
Mike NEWELL
Mark FORAN
Lee UNSWORTH

Referee W. C. Burns

So on the day of the Birmingham game, April the fifth, Andy set out with lap top, mobile phone and digital camera and drove 15 miles up the coast to Javea (pronounced Havea) where Ross Jenkins has a bar, restaurant and sports centre.

Ross started his playing career as a professional at Crystal Palace in 1969 and had his first team debut against Manchester United in 1971. After 11 appearances at Palace he was signed for the then club record fee of £30,000. 

Ross won the Player of the Season twice during his time at the club, which saw the club rise through four divisions. In one season Ross hit 37 goals!

When Ross left the club in 1982 the Hornet's meteoric rise had taken them to second place in the old First Division, a situation due, in no small part to Ross's contribution.

It took Andy quite a time to find Ross's bar due to a lousy sense of direction and Leo's rather vague directions but eventually turned up just in time to get the teams from Andrew French in Birmingham. 

Ross still refers to the Hornet's as "we" and follows the results of every match on the bar's widescreen TV on Sky. 

"It is more difficult to keep up with the individual players and Club news." He said.

Ross had to leave not too long after Andy arrived, but luckily shortly before Tommy Mooney' s 25 minute goal had set up the Hornets eventual 2-1 away victory. Ross wishes the Club and supporters every success on the run in to the play-offs.

The pictures above show Ross at the side of the pool at the L'Ancora Playa which is the name of the sports centre and restaurant he owns with his business partner, a former professional tennis player and coach. Javea is about 50 miles north of Benidorm/Alicante on the Costa Blanca.

For fans wishing to visit the Ancora Playa the full address is as follows:-
L'Ancora Playa
Arenal de Javea
Alicante
Spain 
Telephone : 0034 96 579 10 10. In Spain don't forget to drop the 0034 which is the country code.

The pair were both sent off in the recent 2-1 victory over Tranmere at Vicarage Road, Johnson picking up a one-game ban while Smart will be sidelined for three.

That could bring Israeli international Alon Hazan or Frenchman Alex Bonnot into contention in midfield, while on-loan striker Guy Whittingham has shaken off a back injury and may come in for Smart. Zaire international forward Michel Ngonge is also in the running.

One player definitely ruled out is Nigerian international Ben Iroha. The defender underwent an operation on bunions this week and will be out of action for three months.

Victory for the Hornets could push them into the play-off positions, but although Crewe are bottom of the league, Watford manager Graham Taylor is keen to guard against complacency.

"We need to show the same spirit as we did when winning 2-1 at Birmingham - probably even more so at Crewe," he said.

"Crewe won 5-1 at West Brom and then drew with Birmingham. You don't usually get results like that unless you have something to offer.

"We have got to be completely focused on ourselves, as I felt we were when we won at Birmingham.

"Teams at the bottom of the league are always capable on their day, particularly if the team they are playing has not got itself quite right."

Other news from Vicarage Road

---

NIGERIAN international Ben Iroha has undergone an operation on his bunions. Iroha has been troubled by them for some time, and the surgery means he will be out of action for three months.

Midfielder Danny Grieves has been granted a free transfer. He has spent a week with Colchester United.

All of Watford's allocation of tickets for tomorrow's match at Crewe are sold out. The club, who expect a capacity crowd, are advising Hornets fans not to travel if they don't have a ticket.

Tuesday's (April 20) game at Port Vale is pay on the night. Admission is £15 for adults and £11 for senior citizens and Under-16s. Vale are offering two free childrens tickets with each adult ticket purchased through the Port Vale Ticket Office on (01782) 814134. These are credit card bookings and a £1.50 booking fee is charged for each credit card transaction. The offer is only available until 12noon on Tuesday April 20.

For those not travelling to Crewe tomorrow, there will be full 90-minute commentary of the game on Watford ClubCall. The ClubCall number is  0891 104 104, and calls cost 50p per minute.

Sir Elton John recently released his new album, Aida, an adaptation of the Verdi opera by Sir Elton and Tim Rice for a new Disney stage musical.

The abum features Elton's recent duet with LeAnn Rimes as well as performances by Sting, Tina Turner, The Spice Girls, Shania Twain, Lenny Kravitz and James Taylor.

We have a special promotional copy of the CD to give away, which comes with a book containing an interview with Elton and Tim Rice and a calendar with pictures of the stars who sing on the album.

To be in with a chance of winning this very special prize, simply give the Watford FC Prizeline a call.

Following two days after a 3-2 defeat against Wimbledon, the Hornets badly needed a victory to keep the pressure on nearest rivals Charlton.

However, they trailed as early as the fourth-minute to a well-struck 20-yard free-kick from Tony Wright.

The Hornets rarely threatened in the first half, despite fielding seven players who have appeared for the first team this season. They should, however, have levelled in the 25th minute when a fine pass from Alon Hazan found Adrian Bakalli in the box, but the ball sat up and his shot was comfortably saved.

The game looked over when the home side made it 2-0 after 65 minutes. Christophe Remy cut in from the right and then slid the ball through for David Stevens to beat Chris Day with a rising shot.

Watford's lifeline arrived in stunning fashion six minutes later.

Substitute Tommy Smith intercepted the ball on halfway and then sped 50 yards down the left before cutting in and lifting a shot over the advancing Oxford keeper.

Ten minutes from time the Hornets salvaged a point when Smith turned provider, cutting back from the left and causing panic in the Oxford defence when Lee Johnson pounced to ram the ball home.

WATFORD RESERVES: Day, Gibbs, Pluck, Bakalli, Ward, Panayi, Gudmundsson, Hazan, Smart, Easton, Daley. 

Subs: Smith and L Johnson for Daley and Hazan after 45 mins; Cornock for Gudmundsson after 67 mins.

The end of the Hornets' 12-game unbeaten run in the Avon Combination leaves them with a lot to do if they are to stop Charlton winning the league. The London side are a point ahead of Watford with a game in hand.

A disputed penalty and a close-range header put the Dons 2-0 up at the break, but a Michel Ngonge header reduced the arrears after the interval.

A goal from a corner put Wumbledon 3-1 up but Tommy Smith headed home to make it 3-2. The Hornets had chances to level but failed to take them.

Watford Reserves: Day, Gibbs, Perpetuini, Easton, Ward, Pluck, Gudmundsson, Smith, Ngonge, Bonnot, Slater. 

Subs: Brooker for Gudmundsson after 75 mins; L Johnson and Langston not used.

The game was originally scheduled for April 20, but has been switched as Watford have a first-team and reserve-team game that week.

Among the Hornets starting 11 are Nigel Gibbs, Johann Gudmundsson, Tommy
Smith, Michel Ngonge and Alex Bonnot.

The match takes place at Sutton United FC, kick-off 7.30pm.

Roared on by a crowd of 13,001, Watford tore into the visitors from the outset, having recalled Nick Wright to the attack after a ligament injury.

They missed a golden chance for an early lead when Tommy Mooney's penalty, awraded in the third minute for foul by Paul Warhurst on Allan Smart, was saved by Bolton keeper Steve Banks.

Banks denied a Mooney header a minute later, having shown his class with a save in Watford's forst attack, when Mooney fed Nick Wright.

However, the Hornets took the lead after 24 minutes when Micah Hyde, recalled to the side, struck a stunning volley from 20 yards after Mooney had headed the ball down to him.

It needed an effort of that quality to beat Banks in the first half, as he also saved twice superbly from Wright. Bolton's best chance in that period was a Ricardo Gardener effort, well dealt with by Alec Chamberlain.

Watford's second goal came eight minutes after the break when Mooney converted Darren Bazeley's cross, delighting the home crowd who idolise him.

Bolton tried to fight back, with Chamberlain making good saves from Gudjohnson and Taylor, but the points were secure. They moved to within a point of Bolton, who have a game in hand, and trail Wolves by three.

The Hornets' third consecutive victory delighted manager Taylor.

"It's been an excellent seven days from a footballing point of view," he said. "Three games, maximum points. No we've got to make sure we continue this run. We played very well today and could have been four goals up by half-time."

The players also spoke of their pleasure at an excellent afternoon.

"We've shown we can beat the best again," said defender Paul Robinson, while Darren Bazeley added: "We're on fire after three wins in a row. We're buzzing again."

Taylor concluded: "If we can keep that belief and that commitment, be brave and positive. Who knows what might happen."

Statistics for first half:-

Watford 
6 free kicks including 1 penalty
11 corners
7 offsides

Bolton
10 free kicks
1 corner
0 offsides

13 Minutes Nick Wright has a shot saved by Banks

2 Minutes Warhurst brought down Smart in the area, Mooney took the penalty and missed.

Alec CHAMBERLAIN
Darren BAZELEY
Peter KENNEDY
Robert PAGE
Steve PALMER
Paul ROBINSON
Allan SMART
Micah HYDE
Tommy MOONEY
Richard JOHNSON
Nick WRIGHT

Subs
Guy WHITTINGHAM
Alon HAZAN
Michel NGONGE

Bolton Wanderers

Steve BANKS
Neil COX
Robbie ELLIOTT
Per FRANDSEN
Paul WARHURST
Andy TODD
Michael JOHANSEN
Claus JENSEN
Eidur GUDJOHNSEN
Bob TAYLOR
Ricardo GARDNER

Subs
GUDNI BERGSSON
Jamie FULLARTON
Bo HANSEN

Referee: Alan Butler, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts

Taylor faces a late decision on the fitness of two forwards. On-loan Guy Whittingham, who missed Monday's win at Birmingham with a back injury is now back in training. Meanwhile Nick Wright, who has missed the last two games with a ligament problem remains "doubtful". Otherwise Taylor is set to choose from the same group of players as from last Monday's 2-1 victory over Birmingham City.

"I'm taking the view that we have nine games left this season, including the play-offs. For that to become reality we have all got to be on board for this game."

"We also want to see supporters who weren't thinking about going to the game. If we can gain the support we had at Sheffield United and Birmingham City and the last 10 minutes against Tranmere, everyone would be playing their part."

"We need the team roared on, particularly when it is not going quite right," said the manager.

Goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain adds, "We rode our luck slightly when we won at Bolton earlier in the season but we are well up for this game."

Watford's big-three guarantee

---

AS promotion fever hits Watford, the Vicarage Road club are offering fans without season tickets the chance to be sure of tickets should the Hornets be involved in the play-offs.

The Hornets are offering a three-game package for their remaining home league games (against Bolton this Saturday, Crystal Palace on April 24 and Grimsby on May 9) - and fans who take up the offer will be guaranteed a ticket for any home play-off matches and a ticket for the final, should the Hornets reach Wembley.
 

Three-game packages are only available until 1pm on Saturday April 10, and can be purchased in person from the Ticket Office or by phone using Switch, Delta, Visa, Mastercard and Connect (but not American Express or Diner).

In front of the Blues biggest home gate of the season, 24,877, the Hornets fully deserved their success. To rub salt in Birmingham wounds, the Watford goals were scored and created by two former Aston Villa players - Tommy Mooney and Tony Daley.

Without Guy Whittingham - sidelined with a back injury - Graham Taylor opted for a three-man attack, bringing Mooney and Daley in alongside Allan Smart.

Daley was at his most effective, popping up on both flanks and turning this way and that - a performance which rightly earned national press praise.

However, Mooney's never-say-die approach was never more in evidence, both in the two goals and the way he made the Birmingham defence suffer a miserable afternoon.

At the other, once again Robert Page and Steve Palmer excelled. Birmingham enjoyed long spells of possession, but the Hornets central pairing masterminded a rearguard action that meant the home side were restricted mainly to long-range efforts.

It was a classic away-team performance, fully deserving to silence the partisan home crowd. With teams both above and below the Hornets slipping up, the play-off dream is back in view.

Having withstood early Blues pressure, Watford began to create chances. Smart shot just wide before Alon Hazan tested Kevin Poole with a 30-yard effort.

Alec Chamberlain then made the save of the day after 16 minutes, taking off to tip over a long-range drive from Martin Grainger.

Birmingham will then reflect that Lee Bradbury should have done better than head at the Watford keeper in the 24th minute, as within 60 seconds the Hornets were ahead.

Daley broke down the left, then turned back and sent over a curling cross which Mooney nipped in to stoop and head home.

Just before the break there was a scare for the Hornets when David Holdsworth, who had pushed up for a free kick, found the ball at his feet and hit a shot which Chamberlain parried. The ball ran loose to Bradbury but he drove wide of the target.

Twelve minutes after the restart it was 2-0. Mooney attacked the left flank, and with a sudden burst of speed reached the by-line. He pulled the ball back and Daley had anticipated the cross, meeting the ball at the back post to head home.

Birmingham piled forward and referee Mr Kirkby waved away loud penalty appeals after 63 minutes when the ball hit Page.

Howard Forinton, as as sub, then saw a shot take a deflection and fly just wide of the target.

But, just when it seemed as if Watford had seen off the best Birmingham could offer, the home side pulled a goal back in the 86th minute.

Forinton hoisted the ball into the box and, as Chamberlain appeared to be fouled, Holdsworth bundled the ball in.

Suddenly the home fans found their voices again but Watford held firm, their biggest fright coming in stoppage time when a header appeared to hit Richard Johnson on the arm. Once again though, Mr Kirkby was unswayed by the howling appeals.

BIRMINGHAM: Poole, Bass, Charlton, Hyde, Holdsworth, Johnson, Grainger, O'Connor, Bradbury, Hughes, Ndlovu. 

Subs: Forster and McCarthy for Charlton and Bass after 60 mins; Forinton for Bradbury after 68 mins.

WATFORD: Chamberlain, Bazeley, Kennedy, Page, Palmer, Robinson, Smart, Hazan, Mooney, Johnson, Daley. 

Subs: Hyde for Hazan after 45 mins; Bonnot for Daley after 78 mins; Ngonge not used.

Attendance: 24,877  Referee: Mr J Kirkby (Sheffield).

"We did well, very well in fact, and it is a win that keeps us in there and keeps the pressure on those above us," he said.

"We've come to Birmingham and played with three forwards, and I think that turned the game our way in the first half. I thought it disturbed Birmingham a little bit.

"As the away side, I felt we just edged the game. We tried to take the game to Birmingham and pushed players forward, and that is not always the case for away teams.

"We've still got a lot to do though. Unfortunately, we chose not only to have a bad run of results for five or six games, but we also performed badly as well. Before today's game, we hadn't scored in five or six of our last seven games.

"We lost our way a little but now, with these two wins, the lads have put themselves back in it again."

There was praise from the manager for Tony Daley.

"I've always believed that Tony is not at his best when you trap him out on the touchline. I feel he is most effective when you let him roam, and today we did that. He crossed for the goal, in fact, from the left.

"Generally, Tony is a very good lad as well as a good player. Since he has been here he has suffered injuries and spent a lot of time playing for us without being paid. All we had been doing was paying for his digs.

"That shows his commitment. We have given him a contract to the end of the season but to move to Watford and work with us without being paid shows what sort of person Tony Daley is."

Alec CHAMBERLAIN
Darren BAZELEY
Peter KENNEDY
Robert PAGE
Steve PALMER
Paul ROBINSON
Allan SMART
Alon HAZAN
Tommy MOONEY
Richard JOHNSON
Tony DALEY

Subs
Micah HYDE
Alexandre BONNOT
Michel NGONGE

Birmingham

Kevin POOLE
Jonathon BASS
Simon CHARLTON
Graham HYDE
David HOLDSWORTH
Michael JOHNSON
Martin GRAINGER
Martin O'CONNOR
Lee BRADBURY
Bryan HUGHES
Peter NDLOVU

Subs
Nicky FORSTER
John McCARTHY
Howard FORINTON

Referee: J. Kirkby, Sheffield

The Hornets had both Richard Johnson and Allan Smart sent off - the club's first red cards of the season - but came back from a goal down to win courtesy of a hotly-disputed penalty 

Referee Graham Frankland was escorted off the pitch by police and loudly booed by the home fans at the end of the game.

Little did we know what was to come later when the official decided to book
both Johnson and Rovers' Kenny Irons in the first half. Irons stood over the ball as the Watford midfielder tried to take a free-kick. Johnson pushed him away and Mr Frankland decided to show both the yellow card.

Then, in the 80th minute and with the game poised at 1-1, Johnson pushed the ball too far ahead of him in midfield and dived to reach it. Irons got there first and was caught by Johnson, going down in a heap. Tranmere boss John Aldridge jumped to his feet in anger and referee Mr Frankland spoke to his assistant first before showing Johnson a second yellow card and ordering him off.

The Watford fans near the dugout were furious, as much at Aldridge's actions as those of the referee. Some supporters moved towards the bench, one was taken away by police and Aldridge angered them even more by waving at them.

However, that was far from the end of things. Four minutes from time a Watford corner was headed over the bar when the referee suddenly pointed at the spot. This time the Rovers players flared up and followed Mr Frankland as he then discussed the situation with his assistant.

The spot-kick stood despite some very animated protests, but then Peter Kennedy saw his effort saved. However, Michel Ngonge followed up to score and Watford's players and fans went wild.

Amid the excitement, Allan Smart and Rovers keeper John Achterberg appeared to exchange blows. Again the referee stepped in and showed Smart the red card, but nothing to Achterberg.

So the Hornets clung on through three minutes of injury time with nine men. The final whistle brought huge cheers, followed by jeers for both Aldridge and the referee.

Yet the first 80 minutes were nothing like the final 10. Watford had struggled to make headway in the first half and twice Scott Taylor wasted excellent chances to put the visitors ahead.

Watford's best effort of the first half fell to Peter Kennedy, but his fierce shot at the back post was well tipped away by Achterberg.

Early in the second period the mammoth throwing power of Rovers def nder
Dave Challinor caused panic in the box and the ball bounced back off the far post before being cleared.

Watford were not so fortunate after 52 minutes though when Paul Robinson misdirected header sent David Kelly away and he tucked his shot past Alec Chamberlain.

Watford responded with a triple substitution and within two minutes had levelled. Tommy Mooney hit a deep cross and Kennedy came in at the back of the box to strike an angled drive back inside the far post.

A thrilling finish seemed guaranteed - but sadly the game will probably be remembered for red cards and decisions rather than a gutsy Watford revival and their first win at Vicarage Road since the end of January.

WATFORD: Chamberlain, Bazeley, Kennedy, Page, Palmer, Robinson, Smart, Hyde, Whittingham, Johnson, Gudmundsson. 

Subs: Mooney, Bonnot and Ngonge for Hyde, Whittingham and Gudmundsson after 64 mins.

TRANMERE: Achterberg, Allen, Thompson, McGreal, Challinor, Irons, Mahon, Santos, Kelly, Taylor, Hill. 

Subs: Williams for Taylor after 77 mins; L Jones and G Jones not used.

Attendance: 8,682  Referee: Mr G Frankland (Middlesbrough)

"When Irons didn't move away early in the game, he and Johnson got involved and there was a little bit of pushing. The referee showed two yellow cards instead of just telling them not to be so stupid. But that then left him open to any other flashpoints during the game. And that is what happened," he said.

"Bookings like that set the tone for the day. The sending off may have been the flashpoint but I felt the tape had already been lit by the unnecessary cautions of Johnson and Irons."

"If it had been me - and it wouldn't be because I would not want to be a referee - I would have warned them, told them to get on with the game and advised them not to be so silly."

"I don't think there was any history when Johnson tackled Irons leading up to the second yellow card. That was just a challenge."

"What is interesting is what did the assistant referee say to the linesman when he asked him about Johnson's tackle? I felt the linesman was left to carry the can for that sending off."

"The linesman was stood next to me and I know he didn't see the Johnson incident clearly. He knows he hasn't seen it. But none of us really know what he said to the referee about it."

"Then five minutes later we get a penalty and I don't know who pushed who for that."

"But then I'm thinking the game could anywhere. Anything could happen but the penalty is given, we score after a block and the referee turns round and runs back to halfway. That's the last thing a referee should do."

You don't run away after a goal. But he has his back turned, then turns round and doesn't know who has hit who. So he has to go back to the assistant referee, who has obviously only seen Smart do the hitting."

However, Taylor would not defend Allan Smart's action.

"Allan threw a punch and so he had to go. The fact he wasn't the only one doesn't excuse him at all. I had no complaints whatsoever with that. If there were other people throwing punches at that moment then the referee didn't see them."

"But Alan raised his fist and I cannot defend that."

"In saying that, I did feel their goalkeeper was very fortunate not to be sent off as well. But he didn't, and that still doesn't excuse what Smart did."

Taylor added: "I'm disappointed because we have not had a player sent off this season before today, and I can't ever remember a team I have managed having two players sent off. It's been 18 months I think, since we had a player sent off."

Putting the red cards to one side, the Hornets manager enjoyed his side's comeback.

"At this stage of the season we need three points, however they come."

"In our position, you have to be seen to be doing something. Making a triple substitution is rare, but when you are seven points off a play-off place and losing 1-0 at home, the supporters expect you to do something."

"So we made the changes and got an equaliser and I think that activated the players and the crowd. We needed to get a head of steam up."

The Watford boss was asked if this game kept his season alive.

"We can only win our games," he said. "Of course, you look at other results. Wolves have tough games ahead - they have to play Grimsby, Birmingham and I think also West Brom as well.

"They are the ones looking over their shoulders now. And if they slip up and we chip away at the gap between us, who knows what can happen."

However, before and after the penalty there were massive protests from the Tranmere players and when the Watford celebrations died down the refereee showed Allan Smart the red card, however the reason remains a mystery.

Attendance: 8,682

Alec CHAMBERLAIN
Darren BAZELEY
Peter KENNEDY
Robert PAGE
Steve PALMER
Paul ROBINSON
Allan SMART
Micah HYDE
Guy WHITTINGHAM
Richard JOHNSON
Johann GUDMUNDSSEN

Subs
Tommy MOONEY
Alexandre BONNOT
Michel NGONGE

Tranmere

John ACHTERBERG
Graham ALLEN
Andy THOMPSON
John McGREAL
Dave CHALLINOR
Kenny IRONS
Allan MAHON
George SANTOS
David KELLY
Scott TAYLOR
Clint HILL

Subs
Lee JONES
Ryan WILLIAMS
Gary JONES

Referee: Graham Frankland, Middlesbrough

The Hornets have won only one of their last eight games and have not scored in their last three, but Taylor is confident they can bounce back to keep their Premiership dream alive.

"We are well aware that in our position, we have to start winning games," he said. "We need three points in our locker because we haven't been doing that lately."

The Hornets host Tranmere on Saturday before travelling to promotion rivals
Birmingham City on Monday.

"Tranmere are a very improved side and are one of the most in-form teams at the moment," Taylor pointed out. "On Monday we go to Birmingham and people are saying it is a big game for us. It is - but it is just as big a game for Birmingham as well."

Welsh international Robert Page, who had to drop out of his country's international squad with an ankle injury, is fit again, but Nick Wright is likely to miss both games after picking up a slight medial knee ligament injury.

Striker Allan Smart returns to the Hornets squad after being out of the side for the last three matches.

"Allan had a barren spell but he has played well in the Reserves and scored three goals in two games," said Taylor.

Third-placed Peterborough were held 1-1 by Barnet, Southampton in fifth lost 2-0 at Portsmouth and Ipswich, who had four games in hand, were beaten 2-1 at home by Colchester.

With games in hand on most of the other sides themselves, Watford's position at the top is only threatened by fourth-placed Charlton, who are two points behind with a game in hand.

The top 10 look likes this after this week's games:
 

Barnes' message to the fans

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Former Watford and England star John Barnes has written an article in Watford's matc hday programme for the game with Tranmere this Saturday.

Barnes urges fans to support the Watford On The Ball campaign, part of the national drive to Kick Racism out of Football.

The boots in which Gifton Noel-Williams scored Watford's winning goal against Sunderland in January are up for grabs on the clubs Prizeline (08914001 401, calls charged at 50p per minute). Gifton has also signed the Adidas boots.

Watford's two Academy League teams completed their regular-season fixtures with fine victories over Southampton on Saturday. The Under-19's won 4-1 while the Under-17's enjoyed a 5-1 success. Both now wait to find out who their opponents will be in the Academy play-offs.

Watford's Ticket Office will be open on Good Friday from 10am to 1pm to enable fans to purchase tickets for the game at Vicarage Road against Tranmere the following day. Tickets are also available for the all-ticket game against Birmingham at 3pm on Easter Monday. They cost £16 for adults and £9 for concessions.

Watford are currently looking for more agents for both their lottery scratchcards and Harry's 50/50 draw, which is soon to become a weekly competition. If you are interested in working for the club and making some money for yourself at the same time, contact Glen Calverley on (01923) 496281.