Amediocre midweek goalless draw, played out in driving wind and rain, suited neither side's promotion ambitions. Again failing to take their chances, Terry Burton's side were left 11 points off the play-off places with 13 games to go and with all the talk of relocating the club the mood around Selhurst Park was sulphurous.

After an almost-chance-less first period, the hosts did at least create some opening after the interval. Neal Ardley put in a cross that Neil Shipperley headed wide, David Connelly went close with another header, then Connelly and Darren Holloway both tested Alec Chamberlain in the Hornets goal with stinging drives. At the other end Kelvin Davis remained a virtual spectator during the entire ninety minutes.

"We are off the pace at the moment," boss Burton admitted afterwards. "It was difficult game played in difficult conditions. My players gave 100% and I was disappointed when they were booed off a half time. It would challenge Manchester United to play good football on that surface."