Veteran striker Kevin Phillips scored an extra-time penalty as Crystal Palace ended an eight-year Premier League absence by beating Watford 1-0 in the Championship (second tier) playoff final at Wembley on Monday.
.
Former Watford and England forward Phillips, 39, secured Palace's promotion to the top flight when he drove his spot-kick high into the net in the 105th minute after Manchester United-bound forward Wilfried Zaha was brought down by Marco Cassetti.
.
"It was a case of fourth time lucky for me in a playoff final because I lost my previous three," substitute Phillips told Sky Sports television.
.
"It's an amazing feeling. To come on and score the winning goal against the club where it all started for me 20 years ago is a fairytale."
.
Victory was thoroughly deserved for Ian Holloway's Palace as they dominated the game that analysts estimate is worth £120 million to the winners.
.
Man-of-the-match Zaha was a constant threat in attack and he gave a performance that showed why United have already agreed a deal to sign him at the end of the season.
.
The first half was a cagey affair with few efforts on goal although Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak was lucky not to receive a red card for elbowing Nathaniel Chalobah.
.
It was much livelier in the second period and England international Zaha had a good chance to open the scoring when he burst through on goal. But he delayed his shot and it was eventually blocked.
.
Watford's Manuel Almunia then made four excellent stops to keep out Palace who were rescued from administration three years ago.
The penalty kick would never be forgotten in a long while. Playing in the premier league is a great achievement for any team...