Watford 2-1 Nottm Forest

Tamas Priskin grabbed his seventh goal in eight games as Watford's resurgence in the Championship continued with a hard-fought win over Nottingham Forest.

The hosts took the lead with their first attack when Grzegorz Rasiak headed in Ross Jenkins's looped cross.

But Matt Thornhill grabbed a goal out of nothing when he side-footed in clinically from Gary McSheffrey's pass.

Priskin put Watford back in front after a one-two with Rasiak put him through, and Forest rarely threatened a second.

Watford assistant boss Malky Mackay said:

"Tamas [Priskin] is maturing. We bought him as a 19-year-old who couldn't speak a word of English.

"It takes time to settle into a different way of life and culture but now he is blossoming.

"One-on-ones he is the best finisher in the league."

Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies:

"We knew the type of football they would play, we knew it would be a dogfight and we knew we would need to show character.

"There is a softness in this team that needs to be sorted out but it won't be done until next season in my opinion.

"It's great passing it around but you have to know how to win."

Watford: Loach, Doyley, Mariappa, Mike Williamson, Harley, Cork, Cowie, McAnuff, Jenkins, Priskin, Rasiak (Lee Williamson 90).
Subs Not Used: Lee, Hoyte, Cauna, Parkes.

Booked: Harley.

Goals: Rasiak 5, Priskin 43.

Nottm Forest: Smith, Chambers, Wilson, Morgan, Lynch (Breckin 21), McGugan, McCleary, Moussi (Osbourne 55), Thornhill, Tyson, McSheffrey, Breckin (Earnshaw 46).
Subs Not Used: Gamble, Garner.

Booked: Tyson.

Goals: Thornhill 17.

Att: 14,730

Ref: Mark Haywood (W Yorkshire).