The players knew what to expect at Vicarage Road and what was needed to take all the points so Neil Warnock was pleased to see the plan put into action.

"You know when you come to Watford you are going to be tested defensively from different areas but all we tried to do was play when we could on the break. I said at half time I felt we needed ten minutes of quality to break them down and that is what we did. I couldn't fault anybody today as it was a good team performance".

Paul Ifill has had a frustrating Palace career with injuries but the boss had a feeling that today would be the right day to bring him back.   

"It is funny how things work out because I had a feeling Paul Ifill would score today. He came here with Sheffield United and scored when we were 2-0 down and won 3-2. It's one of those grounds he seems to like so it's good to bring him back and see that one go in today.

"He has had a disappointing time with injuries but I knew he would play a part. Scott Sinclair felt his hamstring at half time and I saw him limping so I didn't want to risk him. It's great for a manager when it works like that".

In recent weeks his team have won at Stoke and Watford whilst picking up draws at Bristol City and WBA to show what a turnaround has taken place since his arrival. 

"Stoke and Watford were my first two home games in charge and we got absolutely mullered in both.

"It was men against boys and I remember going into my office after the game with Aidy and telling him I didn't know what I'd done to deserve this.

"I couldn't see us scoring a goal never mind getting a win. We were in the mire but we have changed attitudes and gone on this run.

"We have deserved the right to be the team that nobody wants to play in the play-offs - but we're not getting carried away."