Forest almost took the lead with the first attack of the game as the ball broke to Chris Burke at the far post, but he was denied by the legs of Heurelho Gomes.

However, the Hornets took the lead just two minutes later as an Almen Abdi corner was flicked to the back post, where Odion Ighalo headed home.

Adlène Guédioura of Watford tackles Michail Antonio of Nottingham Forest during the Sky Bet Championship match between Nottingham Forest and Watford at City Ground on April 15, 2015 © Getty Images

The hosts responded well and forced Gomes into further saves from Michail Antonio and Ben Osborn from close range, before Abdi wasted a golden chance to put Watford 2-0 up as he toed the ball wide when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Both sides continued to create chances in an open game as Adlene Guedioura went close from just outside the box with a curling effort that went over the bar.

Antonio tested Gomes again with a stinging shot from 25 yards, before Forest keeper Karl Darlow was then forced into a low diving save to keep out an Abdi free kick.

Watford doubled their lead on the stroke of half time as Matthew Connolly played a one-two with Ighalo and slotted the ball past Darlow.

Matthew Connolly of Watford celebrates scoring their second goal with Odion Ighalo of Watford (R) during the Sky Bet Championship match between Nottingham Forest and Watford at City Ground on April 15, 2015 © Getty Images

Forest were reduced to 10 men after the break as Kelvin Wilson was shown a straight red card for lashing out at Igahlo.

However, they got themselves back into the game through a Gary Gardner free kick and almost equalised through Antonio, who miscued his effort when faced with an open goal.

That proved costly as Watford wrapped up the victory thanks to Abdi's powerful low finish.