Middlesbrough dominated possession against Watford this afternoon but it counted for little as Matej Vydra's brace secured all three points for the Hornets.
Tony Mowbray's side controlled possession from the outset in a meeting between playoff contenders but failed to turn their advantage into goals.
Scott McDonald came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, forcing Manuel Almunia to make a pair of smart saves with shots on target.
Joel Ekstrand produced a strong last-ditch tackle to deny Lukas Jutkiewicz a free strike on goal from close range.
Gianfranco Zola's side held firm and took the lead with their first shot on target when Matej Vydra took advantage of an error from Rhys Williams to slot home his 13th of the season.
Mowbray brought on Adam Reach after the break to try to produce a response, with Emmanuel Ledesma threatening from distance on the hour mark.
Vydra doubled his tally to make the points safe 10 minutes from time with an assured finish on the break.
McDonald got his 11th of the season to reduce the deficit in stoppage time but the full-time whistle soon followed and Boro were condemned to a home defeat.
Liam Power
