Odion Ighalo struck late on as Watford secured a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Vicarage Road in the Championship this afternoon.
On-loan Ben Watson went close for the home side when he fired a long-range effort that flew just over, and it was the Hornets who looked the most likely to break the deadlock in the opening exchanges.
Jordan Rhodes fired in a half-chance for Rovers, but his volley rose too high above the angle of the goalpost.
Watford were shouting for a penalty when Troy Deeney was down after a coming together with a Blackburn defender, but referee Andrew Madley was unmoved.
Craig Conway almost made the most of a mix-up between the Watford defence but the Blackburn midfielder could only fire over the bar after he went through on goal.
Rhodes then nearly capitalised when Heurelho Gomes's punch fell straight to him, but the Blackburn star was denied by Gabreille Angella's block.
Rudy Gestede was brought on as a second-half substitute, and the striker's arrival almost had the desired effect immediately.
The forward knocked down a long ball to his strike partner Rhodes, but he could only see his attempt saved by Gomes.
The visitors continued to press for a late opener and Gomes was called into action once more to deny Conway's well-struck free kick inside the final 10 minutes.
However, perhaps against the run of play it was the Hornets who stole it when Oghalo popped up with a late winner.
Paul Gorst
