Watford 1, Reading 0

READING failed in their bid to win three games in a row for the first time this season amid a lacklustre performance at Watford.

Yesterday's defeat meant the Royals had to settle for ninth place in Division One to end dreams of a play-off spot.

Manager Steve Coppell said: "I am massively disappointed. We never really got going and never got to grip with the occasion. The players are disappointed with themselves as we were capable of winning this game."

Small consolation for Reading was that not even a victory would have booked a play-off spot as results went against them. Ipswich drew against Cardiff to kill off Reading's slim hopes.

Sunderland will now face Crystal Palace while Ipswich and West Ham lock horns in the other semi-final. The winners of these games will then meet for the final spot in the Premiership and a chance to join Norwich and West Brom in the top flight next season.

The game at Watford was dominated by the home side as the visitors failed to get out of the starting blocks.

It was the 31st minute, however, before the home side's first real chance arrived when Ashley Young tested Jamie Ashdown with a 20-yard effort which the 'keeper gathered at the second attempt.

Soon after, Ashdown dived to his left to keep it out a flicked header from Bruce Dyer. Then, on 40 minutes, a corner from Neal Ardley saw Ashdown called into action to deny Heidar Helguson with a header from close range.

Watford took the lead three minutes later when Young's scuffed shot went in off a post. Dyer slid in, failing to get a touch on the ball, but doing enough to put off Ashdown.

To start the second half Reading brought on Paul Brooker for John Sakalo and, within a minute, he nearly got the equaliser but his shot was deflected wide.

Dyer tested Ashdown with another header and, on 50 minutes, a low drive from Royals' James Harper went wide.

Just after the hour, Paul Devlin went close for Watford and Dyer again tested the Royals goalie with a header.

The final Royals chance came on 68 minutes when Dave Kitson found substitute Lloyd Owusu but his effort went wide.

Watford's victory a far cry from last season when Reading won 3-0 at Vicarage Road.

A disappointing Christmas period in the end cost Reading their play-off hopes and boss Coppell and the club will now have to work out where they go from here during the summer.

Reading: Ashdown, Murty, Williams, Newman, Hughes, Savage (sub Morgan 56min), Harper, Sidwell, Salako (sub Brooker 46min), Goater (sub Owusu 56min), Kitson. Subs (not used): Hahnemann, Gordon.