Troy Deeney's early strike has given Watford a narrow win over Fulham and moved them up to third in the Championship table tonight.

After a slow start, the home side took the lead as Craig Cathcart had a header saved from a corner, but Troy Deeney hooked the rebound into the back of the net from close range.

Fulham responded well and almost levelled a few minutes later, but Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes dived low to his left to keep out Ross McCormack's fierce shot.

Both sides continued to create chances, as Watford midfielder Almen Abdi twice went close to doubling their lead from long range, while Fulham's Ryan Tunnicliffe had a header cleared off the line.

The Hornets almost added a second shortly before the break as Adlene Guedioura found Matej Vydra in the box, but his shot cannoned off the crossbar.

Fulham applied more pressure in the second half and they should have scored two headed goals, but both Cauley Woodrow and Shaun Hutchinson headed over from six yards.

Watford dominated the possession in the second period but they failed to make it count, and Fulham sensed a point was within reach as the game progressed.

McCormack thought that he had scored for the West London side, but Gomes kept out his shot from point-blank range with 10 minutes to go.

McCormack and Matt Smith both went close in the 90th minute, but Fulham couldn't turn their late pressure into a point.