Sheffield United striker Darius Henderson came back to haunt Watford in a 2-0 victory.
Former Watford striker helps Blades stretch unbeaten run
Former Watford striker Darius Henderson came back to haunt the Hornets as Sheffield United recorded a 2-0 victory at Vicarage Road.
The result stretches United's unbeaten run to eight games and Henderson was at the heart of both goals, creating the first and scoring the second.
Hornets manager Brendan Rodgers made one change from the 4-0 defeat to Reading last time out with Grzegorz Rasiak replacing Tamas Priskin up front.
Kevin Blackwell made several changes from the FA Cup win over Leyton Orient with Paddy Kenny, Gary Naysmith, Brian Howard, Stephen Quinn and Danny Webber all returning to the starting line-up.
Superb
The Blades started well and Webber had a shot blocked before Greg Halford's long-throw was met by Watford old-boy Henderson, but his header was superbly tipped over by Roach.
United were dominating in midfield but they almost went behind when a mix-up between Matthew Kilgallon and Chris Morgan allowed Rasiak to get in and pull back for Jack Cork, who failed to connect with the shot.
That chance buoyed Watford and Gavin Hoyte crossed for Rasiak but his shot went wide.
With the break approaching both sides pressed for the lead and Smith's close-range effort was saved by Kenny while, at the other end, Halford's cross was met by Webber, who fired over.
Swivel
The visitors came flying out of the traps for the second half and deservedly went ahead seven minutes after the break when Watford failed to clear their lines and Henderson headed into the path of Webber, who swivelled and fired in.
Watford reacted well and should have been level eight minutes later when Lee Williamson's corner found Cork, who headed over when he should have done better.
With 67 minutes gone they were made to pay for that miss when Halford nodded the ball into Henderson, who hooked his shot across Loach and into the left-hand corner to double the Blades' lead.
Rogers brought Will Hoskins on in a bid to get back into the game but they struggled to make the breakthrough and Smith fired wide from 20 yards.
With four minutes remaining Morgan almost heaped more misery on Watford but his close-range shot was saved by Loach.
