Watford lead Millwall 1-0 at half time of their Championship clash at The Den thanks to Matej Vydra’s sumptuous volley.

It has been a well contested opening 45 minutes but the Golden Boys made the breakthrough midway through the half thanks to the Czech Republic international’s excellent strike.

There were two changes to the Watford side which defeated Middlesbrough on Easter Monday. Matt Connolly replaced the injured Craig Cathcart while Odion Ighalo dropped to the substitutes’ bench and Vydra started in attack alongside Troy Deeney.

The Hornets’ first chance of the contest arrived in the first minute. Daniel Tozser clipped a pass over the hosts’ defence and into the path of Deeney.

Watford’s captain brought the ball under control but Lions goalkeeper David Forde was quickly off his line to block Deeney’s shot.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s side started at a brisk pace but they were almost caught out by a hopeful pass forward towards Lee Gregory.

Their was a moment of confusion between Tommie Hoban and Heurelho Gomes which allowed the Millwall striker an opportunity to shoot but the Hornets goalkeeper quickly smothered his effort.

Deeney then directed a header over the crossbar from an Adlene Guedioura cross before Gregory scuffed a shot past Gomes’ post.

Millwall had asserted themselves well in the contest but, in the 26th minute, they were undone by a Premier League passage of play from Watford.

Daniel Tozser started it. His excellent pass was collected by Ikechi Anya. The wing-back cut onto his right foot and he clipped a pass to the edge of the penalty area.

It was too far for Deeney but it was perfect for Vydra who expertly directed a volley into the far corner. It was a superb finish from the Czech Republic international.

The Hornets could have had a second goal moments later when Juan Carlos Paredes’ cut back found Ben Watson but the midfield miscued his shot from 12 yards well wide.

Millwall continued to pose a threat but their passing often meant chances were wasted. That was no more evident when Martyn Woolford failed to find the unmarked Aiden O’Brien 12 yards out after Gabriele Angella had lost possession in his own box.

Gomes' only real moment of concern in the half came in the 44th minute. He had to react quickly to Jimmy Abdou’s shot around the post.

But Vydra’s goal was enough to separate the two sides at the interval.

Milwall: Forde; Cummings, Nelson, Beevers, Harding; Upson, Abdou, Williams, Woolford; O’Brien, Gregory.

Millwall substitutes: Archer, Dunne, Bailey, Martin, Gueye, Taylor-Fletcher, Maierhofer.

Watford: Gomes; Connolly, Angella, Hoban; Paredes, Watson, Tozser, Guedioura, Anya; Vydra, Deeney.

Watford substitutes: Bond, Munari, Layun, Pudil, Abdi, Ighalo, Motta.