West Brom put champagne on ice as Watford earn draw

WEST Brom could have joined Newcastle in celebrating automatic promotion had they beaten struggling Watford and other results gone their way but in the end they needed a last-gasp equaliser from Chris Brunt to draw 1-1. The Hornets lost three players to injury before they were reduced to ten men when Jon Harley was sent off. But Danny Graham netted five minutes from time only for Brunt to reply deep into stoppage time.

Watford are now above the relegation zone on goal difference after a 3-1 win for Crystal Palace over Preston. Things started badly for Palace, with Keith Treacy netting after eight minutes. But Neil Danns drew them level before half-time and they took the lead through Darren Ambrose. Calvin Andrew made the points safe six minutes from time.

Sheffield Wednesday dropped into the bottom three following a 1-0 defeat by Bristol City at Hillsborough, Nicky Maynard netting the only goal. Second-bottom Plymouth, meanwhile, find themselves four points from safety after a 2-0 loss to Middlesbrough. Stephen McManus put the visitors ahead after 22 minutes before the hosts missed a penalty and

Boro made sure of the points in the last minute through Jonathan Franks.

Peterborough's one-year stay in the second tier is over after a 2-2 draw at Barnsley. Posh, who are set to name Gary Johnson as their new manager today knew only a win would keep their season alive.