Championship leaders Watford lead Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 at half time thanks to Troy Deeney's 21st goal of the season.
The Hornets captain has put his side halfway towards one of the two wins that would guarantee them automatic promotion to the Premier League.
It was Brighton who could have been in front inside the first minute when Joe Bennett picked out Chris O'Grady, whose stumble allowed Gabriele Angella to make a crucial block.
Bennett himself volleyed yards wide of the visiting goal as the Seagulls, effectively safe from relegation because of their goal difference, made a bright start at the Amex Stadium.
Having latched on to a miscued sixth-minute clearance only for David Stockdale to save with his feet, Deeney punished more poor Brighton defending on 29 minutes.
The hosts botched several opportunities to clear a cross from the left and Odion Ighalo's clever flick set up Deeney to drill into the bottom corner.
Heurelho Gomes needed to make a diving save from O'Grady's curling shot on the stroke of the break to ensure that Watford retained their advantage.
