Marlon King - File
LONDON (Agencies):
REGGAE BOY Marlon King took a giant step towards playing in the English Premiership next season when he scored to help Watford beat Crystal Palace 3-0 in the first leg of the Championship promotion playoffs yesterday.
The 26-year-old striker scored one minute into the second half to inspire a lethal Watford assault, after the first half finished goalless.
King, the Championship's leading scorer this season with 21 goals, brought the game to life when he got onto the end of a long clearance from Ben Foster, and drove a left-footed shot from the edge of the area into the back of the nets.
SECOND GOAL
The goal seemed to inspire Watford and Ashley Young added the second in the 67th minute with a curling free kick.
Matthew Spring put the seal on the issue five minutes from time when he scored to ensure Watford entered Tuesday's second leg at home in full control.
Should they advance, they meet either Leeds or Preston North End who drew 1-1 in the first leg Friday in the final on May 21.
The winners will follow already promoted Reading and Sheffield United into the Premiership.
Watford were relegated from the Premier League in 2000 and their manager, Adrian Boothroyd, is taking nothing for granted in the second leg.
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
"I know that anything is possible," Boothroyd said. "Palace have an England striker in Andrew Johnson, a terrific manager in Iain Dowie, and we will take nothing for granted."
Down at the bottom of League Two, Oxford dropped out of the Football League after a 44-year stay, losing 3-2 at home to Leyton Orient, who were promoted to League One.
Oxford had been in the league since 1962, when they replaced Accrington Stanley. By coincidence, Accrington have just regained their place by finishing top of the Conference.
