"He wants to go and play football and I for one totally understand that, " said goalkeeping coach Alec Chamberlain.

BBC: Watford

Bobby Zamora somehow scuffed wide a superbly-worked set-piece shortly after the half-hour mark, while Harewood forced Alec Chamberlain into a fine reflex save from close range.

BBC: 1st leg: 14 May (1215 BST)

Andy Tod was brought in as a makeshift forward, but it was Claus Jorgensen who went closest early on with a 30-yard volley which Alec Chamberlain did well to tip round the post.

BBC: Watford 1-0 Bradford

Preston tried desperately to pull themselves back level in the closing stages of the half, Cresswell forcing a good save out of Alec Chamberlain with a low angled drive in the 40th minute.

BBC: Preston 1-1 Watford