A double from an unlikely source helped Watford secure another well-earned 2-1 win against Barnsley.

The Hornets captain John Eustace doubled his tally for the season as he scored in either half – the first an acrobatic volley from the edge of the area.

Scott Golbourne set up a tense finish with a goal five minutes from time but it was a deserved three points for Watford.

Both sides named the same starting XI as midweek, with Troy Deeney and Joe Garner again looking to fill the void left by Marvin Sordell’s move to Bolton Wanderers and second-year scholar Sean Murray and Fulham loanee Alex Kacaniklic on the flanks.

Watford were on top for almost the whole of the first half and were first to have a real attempt at goal. After a spell of real pressure, Jonathan Hogg beat his man wide left and whilst he pull back was completely missed by Garner’s wild swing, the ball ended up with Eustace and his placed shot from 20 yards went narrowly wide.

The Hornets were the much better side in the first half an hour and a neat flick from Garner released Alex Kacaniklic on the left and his shot was saved by Luke Steele.

Watford were playing with width and superb play from Lee Hodson saw the youngster get to the byline and pick out Troy Deeney but his header went straight in the air and the ball was claimed by Steele.

Kacaniklic then shot a good five yards wide from a free kick to round off a convincing opening 20 minutes from Watford.

The visitors had to wait until just before the half-hour mark to have their first attempt of note but Scott Loach made light work of Rob Edwards’ header from a Michael Tonge corner.

But it was a rare highlight for Barnsley and Watford took the lead soon after when Murray’s free kick was deflected into the air and from 20 yards, Eustace found the far corner with an acrobatic strike.

The loudest cheer of the half though came in the dying moments when Lloyd Doyley picked up the ball just inside the Barnsley half and attacked the opposing full back. His shot was blocked but any excuse for the chant of “We’ve got Lloydinho.”

There were fewer chances early in the second half. John Eustace’s header wide, when Garner had picked out his run, and Murray’s wayward effort from distance were the only two opportunities of note.

Barnsley could have equalised midway through the half when Eustace didn’t track the run of Andy Gray at a free kick but the striker headed over.

And minutes later the Hornets skipper all but secured another three points when Garner helped on Doyley’s long throw and Eustace bundled his way through the defence to slot home with the outside of his boot.

Watford continued to be the better side and had the next few chances. Murray had a shot blocked, Deeney fired over and then the striker had an effort saved at the near post – after ignoring calls from the unmarked Garner.

The visitors had rarely troubled the Watford backline but poor defending from Korey Smith’s cross allowed substitute Scott Golbourne to smash home inside the box.

Murray shot over not long after and following a surprising five minutes of added time, Watford held on for the victory.

Watford: Loach; Hodson, Nosworthy, Mariappa, Doyley; Murray, Eustace, Hogg, Kacaniklic (Buaben 69); Deeney, Garner.

Subs not used: Bond, Dickinson, Yeates, Iwelumo.

Barnsley: Wiseman, Edwards, Foster, McNulty (Doyle 68); Perkins, Smith, Tonge (Golbourne 57); Davies, Done (Dagnall HT); Gray.

Subs not used: Preece, Hassell.

Referee: Roger East.

Attendance: 11, 306 (522).