Odion Ighalo's clever volley has given Watford a 2-1 win away at 10-man Brentford in the Championship tonight.

© Getty Images

The Hornets took a while to settle into the game, but they almost took the lead in fortunate circumstances as a defender's clearance rebounded off Troy Deeney and fell inches past the post.

Brentford keeper David Button was then forced into a fine reaction save to prevent Ighalo's flick from a Ben Watson shot flying into the net.

The away side created the better chances, and Deeney will feel he should have done better when he was found 12 yards out, as he took too many touches and allowed the Brentford defence to crowd him out.

Deeney then went close again, as he curled an effort inches wide from 20 yards out, before Brentford were reduced to 10 men as Jake Bidwell was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle.

However, the West London side took the lead shortly after the break when Andre Gray latched on to a long ball and used his pace to burst away from the Watford defence, before he blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

Watford had a great chance to get back on level terms just a few minutes later when they were awarded a penalty for handball, but Deeney's spot kick was comfortably saved by Button.

Brentford couldn't keep Watford out for much longer though, as Ighalo headed in at the near post from Juan Carlos Paredes's cross.

Deeney almost gave his side the lead minutes later, but Button got a strong hand to his low drive from 12 yards, before he made a diving stop to stop Ighalo getting a second.

However, Ighalo won the match for his side when he volleyed in Matej Vydra's cross to net his 14th goal of the season.