A goal from Odion Ighalo has put Watford 1-0 in front against Rotherham United at half time of their Championship clash at Vicarage Road.

The 25-year-old striker took advantage of a mistake in the Millers defence before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home.

Barring a bright five minute spell following the opener, however, the Hornets have been poor and have played at a slow tempo.

There were two changes to the Golden Boys side which started the defeat to Norwich City. Ikechi Anya and Juan Carlos Paredes dropped to the bench and were replaced in the starting XI by Tommie Hoban and Daniel Tozser.

Watford started the brighter of the two sides. Ighalo almost provided a chance for Troy Deeney but his cross was just too far in front of his strike partner. The resultant clearance was fired towards goal from Daniel Tozser but his effort was blocked.

Soon after, the Hungarian midfielder was teed up by Almen Abdi but he was unable to hit the target from 20 yards.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 17th minute. It came from a mistake in the Rotherham defence when Karl Arnason unfortunately slipped and the ball broke for Ighalo.

The Nigerian striker advanced on goal, stayed cool and rounded Adam Collin before tapping into an empty net.

Watford then created a number of chances to add to their lead. Deeney forced Collin into two good saves with shots from distance before Joel Ekstrand’s flick from a corner was clawed off his line by the Millers goalkeeper.

As expected, Rotherham played a direct style. The Hornets defence largely coped well with the crosses into their penalty area, although Heurelho Gomes did have a couple of fortuitous moments when coming to collect the ball.

The Millers first clear sight of goal in the first half came from a Watford error. Ekstrand gave away possession and allowed Matt Derbyshire a shot at goal but Gomes was alert and denied the striker.

There was another let off for the hosts when Arnason was left unmarked in the Hornets penalty area but he could only direct Ben Pringle’s corner into the arms of Gomes.

The final chance of the half went to Watford. Neat build-up eventually led to Ighalo firing a shot towards goal but his shot cleared the crossbar.

Watford: Gomes; Cathcart, Ekstrand, Angella, Hoban; Layun, Watson, Tozser; Abdi; Deeney, Ighalo.

Watford substitutes: Bond, Munari, Forestieri, Paredes, Pudil, Vydra, Anya.

Rotherham United: Collin; Hunt, Morgan, Arnason, Fryers, Green, Smallwood, Milsom, Pringle, Sammon, Derbyshire.

Rotherham substitutes: Loach, Broadfoot, Bowery, Richardson, Ward, Hammill, Clarke-Harris.