Goals from Cristian Battocchio and Troy Deeney have given Watford a 2-0 lead over Barnsley at the halfway point of the Championship meeting between the two sides.

The Hornets took the lead with five minutes on the clock when Daniel Pudil picked out Battocchio with a measured cross, and the Argentine side-footed an effort into the top corner.

Giuseppe Sannino's side almost doubled their advantage in the 10th minute as another Pudil cross found its way to Marco Faraoni, who forced a save out of Barnsley goalkeeper Luke Steele.

Watford bagged their second six minutes later when Ikechi Anya picked out Deeney in the centre of the box, and the striker found the bottom corner with a right-footed drive.

The hosts had several opportunities to extend their lead even further, but were made to settle for a two-goal lead at the break.