Wilfried Zaha scored both goals as Crystal Palace defeated arch-rivals Brighton 2-0 to set up a Championship play-off final clash with Watford. Ashley Barnes squandered Brighton's best two chances moments after coming off the bench, having one effort saved onto the bar and another cleared off the line. Manchester United signing Zaha struck with 21 minutes left with a header from Yannick Bolasie's cross and then he wrapped things up with a late strike.
England international Zaha, just 20 years old, was Sir Alex Ferguson's final signing as Manchester United boss in January but the Premier League champions allowed him to end the season on loan at Palace. The teams drew the first leg 0-0 at Selhurst Park, making the second leg a decisive clash at the Amex Stadium. Brighton came into the game with exceptional form, unbeaten in 10 matches, while Palace had nine games without a win until the final day.
Striker Aaron Wilbraham squandered the first chance of the match for Brighton, poking the ball wide from just six yards out. There was little entertainment in the first half as both sides tried to defend but the game opened up after half time. Zaha set up the first big chance for Palace as his through ball set it up for Jonathan Williams but the Wales international fired inches wide. Brighton manager Gus Poyet sent in Barnes for Andrea Orlandi and the move nearly paid off but the effort was deflected onto the crossbar by Julian Speroni. The resulting corner kick header, again from Barnes, was cleared off the line by Dean Moxey.
Palace punished Brighton for the missed chances when Zaha headed home on Bolasie's cross before converting another pass from the same player. The final against Watford will be played at Wembley on Monday, 27 May, and the winner will play in the Premier League next season. Here are the odds for the final at Bet365:
Crystal Palace win - 2/1
Draw - 9/4
Watford - 11/8
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