Middlesbrough failed to claim the final playoff place of this season's Championship campaign after slumping to a 2-1 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road.
The two teams fought out a scrappy first half, with significant chances few and far between, and needless free kicks in no short supply.
Boro looked more dangerous in the final third, but were restricted to long range efforts. Lukas Jutkiewicz and Nicky Bailey both missed the target from outside of the area as the away side turned up the pressure.
Scott Loach was in fine form between the Watford sticks, denying both Marvin Emnes and Faris Haroun to keep the scores level at the half-time whistle.
Boro continued to search for an opening in the second half, putting plenty of crosses into the opposition's box, but lacked that clinical touch.
The home side came to life just after the hour mark. Chris Iwelumo was denied by the visitors' keeper Jason Steele, but the striker made amends eight minutes later when he gave Watford the lead, steering in Troy Deeney's pass.
The away side clawed their way back into the game on 84 minutes when Marvin Emnes fired high into the net after finding space in the area.
Boro needed another to stand any chance of clinching that final playoff place, but it was heartbreak for the away fans on 87 minutes when Troy Deeney turned in Craig Forsyth's pass from close range.
The result sees Tony Mowbray's side finish in seventh place, with Cardiff City claiming that final playoff spot at their expense.
Mark Langshaw
