Crystal Palace and Watford have entered the break level following 45 minutes of goalless football in the Championship playoff final at Wembley this afternoon.

It was Watford that made the brighter start, with Troy Deeney coming close with an effort in the opening two minutes, but Welsh defender Danny Gabbidon was across to make the block at the vital moment.

The first yellow card of the afternoon was handed to Watford defender Joel Ekstrand after 10 minutes, as both teams struggled to gain any sort of real possession in the opening stages.

Watford midfielder Almen Abdi had a half-chance after 13 minutes when he burst into the Palace box, but Mile Jedinak was across to clear the danger.

Palace were then forced into a change after 18 minutes when 28-year-old midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi, who limped off the pitch, was replaced by Stuart O'Keefe.

Wilfried Zaha began to influence proceedings as the half advanced, with his pace and trickery causing all sorts of problems to the Watford defence, but Lloyd Doyley was on hand to quell the danger on more than one occasion.

Matej Vydra had Watford's best chance just past the 30-minute mark when he burst into the box, but Damien Delaney was across to make a fine challenge.