Watford fought off a spirited effort from 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Championship encounter this afternoon, running out 2-1 winners.

The hosts created the first opening of the match after good work from Fernando Forestieri and Troy Deeney allowed Daniel Pudil to shoot, but the Czech couldn't keep his effort down.

The visitors' task got even harder on 25 minutes as Christophe Berra was given his marching orders for a professional foul on Troy Deeney, pulling the striker back when he was in on goal.

Watford took full advantage of their extra man, catching Wolves short at the back on the break as Forestieri squared to Nathaniel Chalobah, who finished at the second time of asking.

Wolves responded eight minutes into the second half as a freak free kick from Bakary Sako deceived Manuel Almunia and flew in to make it 1-1.

The hosts were back in front 15 minutes later, however, as Deeney glanced in a header from Forestieri's corner.

The 10 men of Wolves couldn't find a second equaliser in the closing stages as Watford clung on to move up to ninth in the table.