Leeds United 1-1 Preston North End
It was a tense affair at Elland Road, by coincidence the two teams met on the last day of the regular season with United dipping 2-0 at Deepdale with Brian Stock and Brett Omerod claiming the win. The Lancashire club hoped to repeat such a score line and Leeds - the gritty side from Yorkshire planned a surprise.
In the end neither side impressed as they go to Deepdale with the score locked at 1-1. United relied on former Lillywhites Winger Eddie Lewis to scrape them out of a defeat with a sweet free-kick sixteen minutes from time.
The visitors North End produced an enduring display and could have won the game, but had to settle with David Nugent, fresh after injury to provide the deadly finish.
Next Leg: 8 May 2006: Preston North End v Leeds United @ Deepdale
Crystal Palace 0-3 Watford
The Eagles, unconvincing at Bramall Lane last Sunday received a hammering from Watford who finished 3rd placed in the final league table, they lost 1-0 with captain Chris Morgan heading home with nine minutes remaining to cap a fantastic promotion winning season.
In the battle of the Play-Offs the Hornets took full control as they dominated Selhurst Park. The home side now face a struggling second leg and quite probably at least one more season in the Championship after falling from the Premier League last season.
Palace only have themselves to blame; Jobi MacNuff, Andrew Johnson and Clinton Morrison all spurned chances in the first forty-five minutes, they started the brighter but Kiray pulled of spectacular save in the Palace goal to deny Marlon King as early as the sixth minute.
The Eagles pushed and pushed but failed to find the target and were punished when King (46), Ashley Young (67) and Matthew Spring (85) pounced to hand Adrian Boothroyd's side a comfortable win and Ian Dowie a big headache.
Next Leg: 9 May 2006: Watford v Crystal Palace @ Vicarage Road