Teenage striker Marvin Sordell's first-half goal earned Watford a narrow 1-0 win at Sheffield United.
High flying Hornets in fourth
Teenage striker Marvin Sordell grabbed his fifth league goal of the season as Watford earned a narrow 1-0 win at Championship rivals Sheffield United.
Sordell's 16th minute strike proved the difference between the two sides as the Blades slumped to their third league defeat of the campaign at Bramall Lane.
But the high-flying Hornets are buzzing after the victory kept them fourth in the table.
United will consider themselves unlucky not to have taken a point from the encounter as they created a host of second-half chances with Daniel Bogdanovic's free header their best opportunity.
The win sees Watford build on their impressive start to the season and they remain unbeaten on the road.
Testing
However, Gary Speed's introduction to life as a manager is proving a testing one as the Blades are without a win in three as they remain at the wrong end of the table.
Speed made two changes to his side by bringing in Jean Calve and Stephen Quinn, while Watford remained unchanged.
And, despite Mark Yeates going close early on, United were not allowed to enjoy any home comforts as Watford went ahead in the 16th minute.
Lloyd Doyley advanced down the right and fed Danny Graham who delivered an inviting cross for Sordell to slide in from close range.
It was the 19-year-old's fifth strike in his last six games.
Response
Speed demanded a response from his side but they were unable to provide it as Watford continued to dominate.
Will Buckley fired a long-range effort wide of the target, while Jordan Mutch saw his shot blocked as Malky Mackay's men sought a second goal.
United offered little in the first half with Bogdanovic, making his first home start following his summer move from Barnsley, unable to make an impact.
However, the Maltese striker's first contribution almost saw United go in at the interval on level terms when his cross was met by Richard Cresswell, whose header was well saved by Loach.
And the Blades were a different proposition after the break as they pushed for a leveller.
Bogdanovic found himself with more space and fired over from distance before seeing Loach get down well to keep another effort.
Yeates drove a shot wide from 20 yards and Bogdanovic was again denied by Loach, who saved his free header from Cresswell's cross.
Watford weathered the storm and could have doubled their lead but Troy Deeney shot wide from the edge of the area.
But the Hornets had done enough to win and inflicted more misery on United, who have won just one of their last five outings.
