Troy Deeney controlled and slotted his shot underneath Middlesbrough goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos. It is goal which has given Watford a 1-0 lead at half time of their important Championship clash at Vicarage Road. 

A win for either side would be vital in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League. Slavisa Jokanovic made three changes from the Golden Boys side which began Friday’s 2-2 draw at Derby County.

In came Juan Carlos Paredes, Ikechi Anya and Daniel Tozser for the suspended Marco Motta, midfielder Miguel Layun and Matej Vydra.

The game started evenly. The first sight of on goal came for Watford as Deeney headed over an Ikechi Anya cross and then Boro’s Grant Leadbitter forced Heurelho Gomes to scramble across his goal to save a free-kick.

The Hornets settled into the contest and began to threaten.

They created a good chance when Anya exchanged passes with Odion Ighalo and the wing-back forced a lot stop from Dimi Konstantopoulos.

Moments later Deeney won a corner and Daniel Tozser’s whipped delivery was headed narrowly wide by Gabriele Angella.

Boro responded with their strongest period of the half. Their best effort on goal came from Lee Tomlin as he volleyed a George Friend cross into the arms of Gomes.

But, in the 37th minute, a goal arrived. It went for the Hornets.

Adlene Guedioura, who has been outstanding since rejoining the club on loan from Crystal Palace, delivered a deep cross that was misjudged by Jonathan Woodgate.

It allowed Deeney room to control, shift the ball out of his feet and slot his shot under Konstantopoulos.

Watford: Gomes; Cathcart, Angella, Hoban; Paredes, Tozser, Watson, Guedioura, Anya; Deeney, Ighalo.

Watford substitutes: Bond, Munari, Layun, Pudil, Vydra, Abdi, Connolly.

Middlesbrough: Dimi, Tiendalli, Amorebieta, Woodgate, Friend, Leadbitter, Clayton, Adomah, Reach, Tomlin, Bamford.

Middlesbrough substitutes: Ripley, Gibson, Whitehead, Vossen, Kalas, Kike, Forshaw.