Watford claimed back-to-back victories as John-Joe O'Toole hit the winner against Coventry.
Watford claim back-to-back victories
Watford claimed back-to-back victories as John-Joe O'Toole hit the winner against Coventry at Vicarage Road.
The Hornets, who triumped over Norwich in midweek to give new boss Brendon Rodgers his first victory, went ahead just after the hour mark when Tommy Smith converted from the spot.
But Clinton Morrison levelled for the visitors just five minutes later, only for O'Toole to have the final word to delight Rodgers.
The sodden pitch caused chaos and the home supporters were on their feet minutes after kick-off as Elliott Ward misjudged a sliding challenge and fouled Smith in the area.
But referee Jon Moss rejected the convincing penalty claims.
Coventry almost took the lead midway through the first half with Morrison's close-range header but Scott Loach made a good save diving to the left.
The players struggled to stay on their feet and the passes came up short in the difficult conditions.
The biggest cheer of the first half came when a ball boy slipped over on the outfield until O'Toole almost took advantage of Keiren Westwood's short clearance with a 30-yard effort but the Coventry keeper scrambled back in time to tip over the bar.
Reward
Westwood then followed up with fine saves from Lee Williamson and Adrian Mariappa before almost gifting Smith a goal in the Coventry area.
A point-blank save from Leigh Bromley finished off Westwood's half in style.
Watford maintained their edge in the game and got their reward on 67 minutes.
Again Ward was caught out at the back and this time his challenge on Tamas Priskin was deemed a penalty by the referee.
Smith stepped up and sent Westwood the wrong way but within minutes Coventry were level.
The ball was half-cleared from a corner and Jay Tabb's shot was diverted into the net by Morrison.
Watford snatched back the lead when O'Toole took advantage of a disoriented Coventry defence and hit a right-foot shot.
Watford's Ross Jenkins was stretchered off after a collision with Ben Turner but the home side maintained their composure to secure the win.
