December 31 2005

AJ scored from the spot

Crystal Palace made it three wins in a row with a 2-1 triumph at Watford.

Darren Ward gave Palace the perfect start with his second goal in as many games after 16 minutes.

Jobi McAnuff's free-kick on the left was not dealt with by the Watford defence and Ward slotted in from close range.

Home keeper Ben Foster made a fine save from McAnuff on 35 minutes before parrying Andy Johnson's effort on the stroke of half-time.

But Watford started the second period on fire and levelled the scores in the 59th minute through Darius Henderson. He got on the end of Marlon King's flick-on and fired past Kiraly.

The Eagles were given a penalty in the 70th minute after Clinton Morrison was tugged in the box by Clarke Carlisle. Johnson buried the spotkick for his eighth of the season.

Marlon King and Young had chances for the Hornets but Palace held out and closed the gap with fourth-placed Watford to two points.

Palace: Kiraly, Boyce, Ward, Popovic, Hall, McAnuff, Hughes (90 Hudson), Soares, Leigertwood, Johnson (90 Freedman), Morrison (90 Andrews).

Subs not used: Watson, Speroni.

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