Troy Deeney scored twice as Watford displayed their promotion credentials with a convincing 4-0 victory over Birmingham City at St Andrew's this afternoon.
© PA Photos
Deeney scored either side of an Ikechi Anya goal, while Almen Abdi added a fourth to secure the visitors three points which see them climb to third in the Championship.
Top scorer Matej Vydra was at the centre of Watford's first-half dominance but was denied a goal by Birmingham's on-loan keeper Jack Butland.
The England international, who returned to the Blues on loan in January after completing his transfer to Stoke City, saved well from 19-goal Vydra moments after foiling Abdi.
It proved not to be Vydra's day in front of goal as Curtis Davies denied his drive from the edge of the area.
However, his strike partner Deeney was on hand to take the goalscoring responsibility and he broke the Birmingham resolve on 38 minutes.
© PA Photos
The Hornets forward headed home from a cross delivered by Anya, who doubled Watford's advantage by beating Butland at the near post with a low strike.
In the absence of Marlon King and Nicola Zigic, Peter Lovenkrands was leading the Birmingham attack and had several chances as the Blues rallied after the break.
The experienced Dane shot powerfully, only to be foiled by Manuel Almunia and also saw a near-post effort blocked by Nyron Nosworthy.
Any hopes of a Birmingham comeback were distinguished when Deeney added a third following a well-worked team move.
Vydra released Anya down the Watford right with a perfectly-timed pass and the winger squared for Deeney to convert for his second of the match.
Abdi then completed the scoring for the Championship's most prolific side with a late fourth, which capped a fine afternoon for Gianfranco Zola's outfit.
Joe Fish
