An Almen Abdi free kick has given Watford a 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic at The Valley in the Championship.

Troy Deeney came closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening moments of the match but he could only watch Ben Hamer react superbly to keep out his effort from outside the area.

Watford's impressive attacking play threatened the Charlton defence throughout the first period but Gianfranco Zola's side finally took the lead from a set piece situation.

Tommie Hoban's run across the box gave him space and the defender's header deflected past Hamer to give the Hornets their first goal of the contest.

However, Watford's lead only lasted six minutes and it was Ricardo Fuller who found a crucial equaliser when he collected a pass from Dale Stephens before slotting past Manuel Almunia.

The visitors were dealt a cruel blow on the stroke of half-time when striker Fernando Forestieri was shown a second yellow card for diving inside the Charlton penalty area.

Despite the disappointing end to the first half, Watford regained the lead on the hour mark when Abdi curled in a superb free kick to the delight of the travelling supporters.

Watford survived a stern test from Charlton late on but Zola's men stayed firm in defence to earn an impressive away win.