Substitute Troy Deeney scored a late goal as Watford secured three precious points with a 1-0 victory over Brighton at Vicarage Road tonight.

Deeney latched on to a knockdown from Chris Iwelumo to shoot into the bottom corner and net his first goal in over a year.

Watford's attacking limitations were evident as they struggled to break the deadlock while the visitors also found themselves unusually goal shy.

But Deeney came off the bench to secure the points for Sean Dyche's side after Steve Harper and Gordon Greer failed to clear a long ball directed towards Iwelumo.

The victory moves the Hornets four points clear of the relegation zone after fellow strugglers Coventry, Doncaster and Bristol City all failed to win.

Watford next travel to Middlesbrough this weekend while Gus Poyet's Brighton host Barnsley, looking for their first win in ten games.