Watford have moved to the top of the Championship table after a Craig Cathcart goal gave the Hornets a 1-0 win over Birmingham City.

In front of a passionate home crowd, Watford began strongly with Matej Vydra getting an early sighter on goal, but his effort was deflected wide for a corner.

Birmingham were denied an opener thanks to a last-ditch challenge from Gabriele Angella, before, back up the other end, Vydra struck the woodwork from close range after Troy Deeney's effort had been blocked.

Watford were building a head of steam and, after Adlene Guedioura had seen a low drive saved, Almen Abdi curled an effort just wide of the post.

After the restart, Birmingham nearly snatched the lead through Clayton Donaldson, but, after Nuno Gomes was on hand to make the save, Watford made their way up the other end to take the lead.

Ikechi Anya, who had only been on the pitch for a minute, whipped in a cross from the flank and Cathcart finished emphatically past Darren Randolph.

Watford were not content to sit back and Angella and Anya both missed the target within 60 seconds of each other as Birmingham struggled to cope with the onslaught.

Midway through the second half, Angella had another opportunity to get on the scoresheet, but his header on goal was cleared off the line.

Facing just a 1-0 deficit, Birmingham were always in the game but they could not create any sustained pressure on the Watford goal.

As the clock ticked near full time, Watford were content to maintain their narrow advantage, a tactic which proved successful as they moved two wins away from promotion.