The day Leeds United denied Watford automatic promotion

It was a game in which Leeds United drew the sting from the Hornets to deny them an automatic return to the Premier League.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 17th Jun 2021, 16:30 BST

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The Whites arrived at Vicarage Road on the final day of the season in mid-table but with the commitment and desire to play their part in the final day permutations. It was a game delayed by serious injury to Watford keeper Jonathan Bond. Striker Dominic Poleon put the Whites in front, but Almen Abdi levelled shortly after. Watford's Troy Deeney then saw red for two bookable offences before news of a late Cardiff equaliser at Hull City left the Hornets needing a goal to go up. But Ross McCormack broke Watford hearts after scoring a late winner with the help of a blunder by replacement keeper Jack Bonham. "It was an amazing game. We kind of knew what was going on at Hull, but we did what we had to do. We were spot on and did our business for our club," reflected Leeds United manager Brian McDermott. READ MORE: 16 of the most iconic Leeds United photos of all time LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook