Troy Deeney's ninth-minute goal has given promotion-chasing Watford a 1-0 lead at half time of their Championship match with Fulham.

After a slow start, the home side took the lead as Craig Cathcart had a header saved from a corner and Deeney hooked the rebound into the back of the net from close range.

Fulham responded well and almost levelled a few minutes later, but Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes dived low to his left to keep out Ross McCormack's fierce shot.

Both sides continued to create chances as Watford midfielder Almen Abdi twice went close to doubling their lead from long range, while Fulham's Ryan Tunnicliffe had a header cleared off the line.

The Hornets almost added a second shortly before the break as Adlene Guedioura found Matej Vydra in the box, but his shot cannoned off the crossbar.