Jay DeMerit heads Watford's opener in the play-off final

The Hornets went in front through Jay DeMerit's powerful header from five yards after Ashley Young's corner.

Aidy Boothroyd's side were two up when James Chambers' shot deflected off Eddie Lewis and looped on to the post before dropping in off Neil Sullivan.

Darius Henderson completed the rout with a cool penalty after Shaun Derry cynically felled Marlon King.

Interview: Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd

Interview: Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell

Interview: Jay DeMerit

The pitch was badly cut up after rugby union's Heineken Cup final on Saturday and possession constantly changed hands.

The conditions meant Watford persisted with their direct approach, but the surface ensured their opponents found it tough to find a rhythm with their passing and movement.

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But both teams started brightly and had early chances.

Watford striker Henderson failed to make decent contact on a close-range header from a corner inside a minute, while Young deflected Derry's goal-bound shot round the post for Leeds.

And after 24 minutes the Hornets were rewarded for their endeavour as DeMerit left his marker Rob Hulse and powered home Young's inswinging corner.

The goal settled Watford down and allowed them to retain possession in midfield as well as causing Leeds problems from set-pieces.

Leeds keeper Neil Sullivan is beaten by a deflection and the post

As the frantic half drew to a close, Leeds had a penalty appeal turned down when goalkeeper Foster appeared to push Paul Butler, and Lewis fired a free-kick narrowly over.

Watford began the second half as brightly as they finished the first with Henderson testing Sullivan with a fierce strike.

And they fortuitously doubled their lead on 57 minutes with a freak own goal.

A long throw-in by Gavin Mahon found Chambers who swivelled and shot before seeing the ball loop off Lewis, hit the post and squirm in off keeper Sullivan.

Only Jordan Stewart's outstretched leg on the goal-line prevented Derry heading Leeds back into the game on 70 minutes.

As Leeds pushed for a lifeline, the game opened up further giving both teams a sight on goal.

And Watford could have put the game beyond doubt when Mackay's header was cleared off the line by Lewis with 10 minutes remaining.

Minutes later the Hornets sealed their promotion to the top flight when Henderson calmly slotted in a penalty after Derry brought down King.

Leeds: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Gregan (Bakke 84), Kilgallon, Richardson (Blake 45), Miller (Healy 62), Derry, Douglas, Lewis, Hulse.
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Stone.

Booked: Gregan, Miller, Derry.

Watford: Foster, Doyley, Mackay, DeMerit, Stewart, Chambers (Bangura 72), Mahon, Spring, Young, King, Henderson.
Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Eagles, Bouazza, Mariappa.

Booked: Spring, Doyley, Mahon.

Goals: DeMerit 25, Sullivan 57 og, Henderson 84 pen.

Att: 64,736.

Ref: M Dean (Wirral).