[monks data]

Championship

Apr 25, 2015 at 12.15pm UK

Brighton Brighton & Hove Albion
0-2
Watford

FT(HT: 0-1)

Deeney (29'), Vydra (95')

Half-Time Report: Troy Deeney fires Watford ahead at Brighton & Hove Albion

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 25 April 2015

Troy Deeney puts Watford halfway towards one of the two wins that they need for promotion as his goal gives the Hornets a 1-0 half-time lead over Brighton.

Championship leaders Watford lead Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 at half time thanks to Troy Deeney's 21st goal of the season.

The Hornets captain has put his side halfway towards one of the two wins that would guarantee them automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Troy Deeney of Watford is swamped by his teammates after scoring to make it 1-0 during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Watford at Amex Stadium on April 25, 2015 © Getty Images

It was Brighton who could have been in front inside the first minute when Joe Bennett picked out Chris O'Grady, whose stumble allowed Gabriele Angella to make a crucial block.

Bennett himself volleyed yards wide of the visiting goal as the Seagulls, effectively safe from relegation because of their goal difference, made a bright start at the Amex Stadium.

Having latched on to a miscued sixth-minute clearance only for David Stockdale to save with his feet, Deeney punished more poor Brighton defending on 29 minutes.

The hosts botched several opportunities to clear a cross from the left and Odion Ighalo's clever flick set up Deeney to drill into the bottom corner.

Heurelho Gomes needed to make a diving save from O'Grady's curling shot on the stroke of the break to ensure that Watford retained their advantage.