Troy Deeney's 20th goal of the season has given Watford a slender half-time lead over Middlesbrough in this afternoon's crucial Championship encounter at Vicarage Road.

The visitors started brighter than their opponents, but it was Watford who threatened first as Odion Ighalo was denied by Jonathan Woodgate before Deeney headed over.

Boro's first opportunity came via Grant Leadbitter, who tried to catch out goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes with a quick free kick. However, the Brazilian was alert to the danger and made a comfortable save.

Watford cranked up the pressure after that as Ikechi Anya had a low drive from 10 yards kept out by the feet of Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, while Gabriele Angella headed off target from a corner midway through the half.

The away side tried to quell Watford's dominance when Lee Tomlin volleyed straight at Gomes, but the hosts made the breakthrough on 37 minutes thanks to Deeney, who collected Adlene Guedioura's cross before slotting into the far corner with his left foot.