A brace from Adlene Guedioura guided Watford to a 4-2 win over Cardiff City in their Championship match this afternoon.

The visitors came out of the traps the better team and produced a fine team move as Almen Abdi was presented with space and time to strike from the edge of the box, but David Marshall made a strong save to tip over the bar.

Cardiff went ahead in the 20th minute when Peter Whittingham lifted a dangerous free kick in from the right and Adam le Fondre was on hand to glance his header past Heurelho Gomes into the top corner.

The home side pressed again and Craig Noone beat a couple of defenders in a mazy run before rifling a shot towards the bottom corner, but his strike went just wide of the post.

Watford got themselves back on level terms when Odion Ighalo crossed into the box for Guedioura, who smashed a low volley past Marshall into the bottom corner.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side took the lead when Daniel Pudil lifted a pinpoint cross towards the near post for Ighalo to power a header into the net.

Watford upped the ante in the second half and another impressive team move almost created a second goal of the game for Ighalo, but he was denied by a good block at the near post by Marshall.

However, the visitors did get their third goal in spectacular fashion as Guedioura picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and unleashed a powerful drive that crashed into the corner, leaving Marshall with no chance.

The Hornets could have sealed their win when Guedioura found the run of Tommie Hoban into the box, but he could only guide his effort over the bar.

Watford did secure their victory in the 83rd minute when Gabriele Angella netted their fourth goal of the afternoon, as he rose highest in the area to head Troy Deeney's cross into the top corner.

Kenywne Jones netted a late consolation goal for the home side, who extended their winless run in the Championship to five games.