14 May 2013

Crystal Palace into Championship play-off final

9:01 am on 14 May 2013

Crystal Palace have beaten Brighton and Hove Albion 2-nil to reach English football's Championship playoff final where they will face Watford.

The two sides were level nil-all after Saturday's first leg and it took until the 69th minute of the second leg for the visitors to break the deadlock.

Wilfried Zaha, who is joining Premier League champions Manchester United in July, scored both goals.

Palace, who finished fifth this season behind fourth-placed Brighton, are seeking a return to the Premier League for the first time since they were relegated in 2005, while manager Ian Holloway last managed in the top flight with Blackpool in 2011.

Watford booked their place in the May 27th final at Wembley yesterday when they beat Leicester City 3-1 on the day for a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Champions Cardiff City and runners-up Hull City won automatic promotion to the Premier League.