Derby County have secured third place in the Championship and extended their winning run to five matches by beating 10-man Watford 4-2 at Pride Park this afternoon.
Troy Deeney gave the visitors the lead inside the opening five minutes when he was slipped through on goal by Cristian Battocchio, before lashing a fierce strike into the roof of the net past Lee Grant.
Derby came close to a response when Jamie Ward flashed a low ball across the six-yard box, but Johnny Russell could not stretch to meet it at the back post.
The Rams did manage to level the score in the 28th minute through Jeff Hendrick, who smashed a low strike past the keeper after the visiting defence failed to clear Craig Forsyth's cross.
Derby should have scored a second moments later when George Thorne put Ward clean through on goal, but the striker saw his attempt saved by Jonathan Bond.
Ward was the next to threaten for the hosts as he found space on the edge of the box before curling an effort just wide of the post.
On the hour-mark Derby took lead through Forsyth, who smashed a strike into the corner following a well-worked team move.
Watford's hopes of getting back into the game took a blow eight minutes later as Marco Cassetti was sent off for his second booking of the afternoon.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the visitors equalised two minutes later when Mathias Ranegie headed home from Ikechi Anya's cross.
In the 81st minute Derby retook the lead as Hendrick picked the ball up 25 yards out from goal, before firing a strike into the bottom corner and out of the reach of Bond.
The hosts sealed the win five minutes later when Chris Martin was slid into the box by Craig Bryson, before placing an effort into the far corner.
Alex Meyers
