Watford put three past lowly Barnsley

Watford hit three past Barnsley without reply during this afternoon's Championship showdown at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets took the lead with five minutes on the clock when Daniel Pudil picked out Cristian 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 when 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. Ikechi Anya picked out Troy Deeney in the centre of the box, and the striker found the bottom corner with a right-footed drive.

The match remained one-sided in the second half, with the Hornets almost helping themselves to a third goal on the hour mark through Daniel Tozser, who played a one-two with Anya before heading the Scot's cross narrowly wide.

Sannino's men did make it three in the 74th minute when Alexander Merkel gained possession just outside of the six-yard box and fired beyond Steele into the top corner.

Nick Proschwitz almost pulled a goal back for Barnsley at the death when his chipped effort came back off the bar, but even 3-1 would have flattered the Tykes.