Hornets end season on a high

Middlesbrough failed to make the npower Championship play-offs as they finished the season with a 2-1 defeat at Watford.

Tony Mowbray's side needed to beat the Hornets and hope sixth-placed Cardiff lost to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in order to finish in the top six. Initially, Boro had hope of leapfrogging Cardiff when Wilfried Zaha put Palace ahead, but they themselves could never get in front against Watford and instead heard news of Cardiff coming from behind to claim a 2-1 victory. Chris Iwelumo's first strike at Vicarage Road and Troy Deeney's 12th goal of the campaign from 12 yards helped Watford, tipped by many to be relegation candidates, end an encouraging first season under manager Sean Dyche in 11th place. Top-scorer Marvin Emnes' 12-yard effort had looked to have sealed a point for Boro, who finished the season five points behind the Bluebirds in seventh position.