In a game of changing fortunes Watford could have all but booked their place in the Division One play-off final but spurned a succession of first half chances.

Then Graham Taylor's men, the outsiders of the play-off quartet, were forced to hang on after Paul Robinson was sent off for a second bookable offence after 76 minutes.

Watford were given a flying start by Zaire international Michel Ngonge. He climbed above a suspect Birmingham defence to power in a five yard header from Peter Kennedy's corner.

Watford then had further chances. Northern Ireland international Kennedy was presented with a clear shot at goal from 10 yards at the far post but missed the target.

Then Kennedy, diving to meet a cross from Richard Johnson, sent his header beyond the far post.

Birmingham who had to defend in numbers, pushed forward on the half hour.

Paul Furlong, the former Watford striker, proved the biggest threat. He sent a snap-shot to Gary Rowett's cross just wide of the target and then headed over when Steve Robinson centred.

Watford finished the half squandering two further guilt-edged chances. When Alec Chamberlain cleared up field Ngonge challenged and the ball fell to Nick Wright who then lobbed over the keeper and the bar.

A few minutes later Tommy Mooney chipped clear of the keeper but again cleared the bar.

Mooney was unlucky early in the second half when he met Darren Bazeley's centre with a header which beat Kevin Poole but the ball struck the inside of the post and bounced out.

Just before Robinson was dismissed he made a timely intervention after Chamberlain came out to the edge of his box and failed to claim a cross. Dele Adebola and Furlong went for the ball and it looked a certain equaliser but somehow Robinson managed to clear.

His 77th minute tackle on Peter Ndlovu was reckless and the referee was left no alternative but to show him a second yellow card.

Birmingham, sensing the chance of a breakthrough, piled on the pressure but Watford stood firm with only one real scare. That was when a Rowett cross fell to the unchallenged Adebola and Furlong but they collided with each other and the opportunity was lost.