Watford manager Sean Dyche says he is delighted for Troy Deeney after the striker's winner against Brighton and Hove Albion and praised his players for implementing the game plan.

Deeney came off the bench to score the winner for the Hornets within a minute of his arrival.

It was the 23-year-old's first goal in 36 appearance for Watford and his fourth for the club.

Dyche said: “I am delighted for Troy because he works very hard for us and often fills a number of positions and sometimes comes out of the team when it is a hard decision.

“So I was delighted he scored the goal and affected the game, which he has done a few times this season without scoring.”

Brighton like to play passing football and keep the ball well but in the first half the visitors were completely out-played by the Hornets.

And even when Gus Poyet's men did enjoy more possession in the second period, they rarely troubled Scott Loach's goal.

When asked if he had he tactics spot on tonight, Dyche replied: “You can never quite tell. First half I thought we were very good tactically and pretty decent with the play and had enough chances to at least score one.

“Second half they had a bit of play, like we thought they might because they have some good players but I thought we limited them to play in the back area of the pitch.

“I would need to check again but I am pretty sure they didn't have a shot on target which shows we kept them away from our goal.

“In general yes, the players delivered a plan we thought would win the match and it did.”

At half time the score was still 0-0 despite Watford having ten attempts to Brighton's two and Dyche admitted he did fear it may be a repeat of the game against Derby County, when Watford dominated throughout but lost to a sucker-punch goal in the second half.

Dyche said: “It is a funny one I know because you do think that [Derby repeat] and wonder how the ball hasn't gone in the net.

“I was amazed the goal that was disallowed in the first half was a free kick but how we didn't score was incredible really.

“It happens though and I am pleased the lads were not disheartened and stuck at it. Even during the parts where Brighton had the play, I thought we stuck to the game plan pretty well and fortunately nicked the goal.”