LAST season's semi-finalists Watford Ladies made it through to the next round of the Premier League Cup, but they made life difficult for themselves at Northwood FC on Sunday.
Despite having the majority of possession and hitting the woodwork three times, they couldn't get the ball in the net in normal time against a resolute Crystal Palace defence.
Palace had a chance to cause an upset when they were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute but the resulting spot kick was put wide.
This galvanised Watford as the match went into extra time and five minutes after the re-start Jodian Clarke kept her head to coolly chip the 'keeper to put the home side one up.
A more relaxed Watford continued to play their passing game but it was a route one kick from Watford 'keeper Lauren Davey that set up the second.
The long ball was latched on to by Helen Lander and she cut in from the left to slot home at the far post.
With 10 minutes remaining, Sarah Wiltshire, who had demonstrated some excellent wing play all afternoon, picked up a ball through the middle and wriggled through the Palace defenders to stroke home Watford's third goal and send them through to the second round.
Scorers: Watford - Jodian Clarke (95) Helen Lander (103) Sarah Wiltshire (110).
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