Watford 0 Sheffield United 2

Sheffield United put their FA Cup disappointment behind them to pick up a crucial 2-0 win away to Watford that puts them right back in the hunt for an automatic promotion place.

The Hornets are in major trouble towards the bottom of the table, but despite second half pressure could not break down the Blades rearguard and get themselves back in the game.

Jack Lester was given the nod to start the game ahead of new loan signing Izale McLeod and he repaid Neil Warnock's faith with the crucial opener.

Lester had already seen a clever lob drift just wide, but it was Watford's failure to clear a corner that gave him his chance - which the former Nottingham Forest man lashed home with aplomb.

As the game drew to a close Bruce Dyer lashed a volley narrowly wide as Watford pressed, but it was Andy Gray - with his third in three games - that ensured the points returned to Sheffield.

The former Bradford man has made himself an instant hit with the fans, and he grabbed the second in the third minute of injury time when he turned in McLeod's low cross.