Bournemouth have eased to a 2-0 win over Watford at Dean Court in the Championship after their opponents had a player dismissed just seconds after kickoff.
Watford were facing an uphill battle from the start as Gabriele Angella was sent off inside the first minute for a last-man foul on Callum Wilson.
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Despite the red card, the visitors created a few early chances, the best of which fell to Ikechi Anya inside the opening 10 minutes, but he diverted Troy Deeney's through-ball wide of the post.
Matt Ritchie had the first real chance of the evening for the hosts when he was played in by Harry Arter, but his drilled finish from the edge of the box failed to test Heurelho Gomes.
The Championship leaders did break the deadlock before the break though as Wilson was fouled again, and Craig Cathcart's trip on the midfielder gave Bournemouth a penalty, which was slotted in by Yann Kermorgant.
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Bournemouth were on the hunt for a second early in the second half Ritchie lined up a shot from 20 yards out, but his low finish was just wide.
Artur Boruc had to make a save down the other end moments later as Watford tried to give themselves hope, but Daniel Tozser's finish was straight at the home keeper.
The hosts doubled their lead shortly before the hour mark as Kermorgant flicked a cross in towards Ritchie, who smashed the ball in low at the far post.
Ritchie tried to set up a third a few minutes later as he squared the ball to Simon Francis, but Gomes got down low to make the save.
The Brazilian continued to come under pressure in the Watford goal as Ritchie provided another ball into the box, this time for Kermorgant, but his header was diverted wide.
The hosts dominated as they pushed for a third, but Gomes continued to keep the deficit to two, denying Marc Pugh before stopping a swerving effort from Ritchie.
Pugh tried to squeeze the ball into the top corner inside the final two minutes, but Gomes's reactions continued to keep the scoreline respectable for Watford.
The result extends Bournemouth's lead at the top of the table to three points, while Watford remain sixth.
Sian Cowper
