Derby 1-2 Watford
Last updated on .From the section Football
Watford secured their fourth away win of the season with a 2-1 win over Derby.
Alex Kacaniklic assisted both goals, making the first for Sean Murray, who had a simple finish from 12 yards.
Kacaniklic drove at Derby's defence again and found Troy Deeney, whose deflected effort flew in.
Derby gave themselves hope when Ben Davies' free-kick missed everyone before bouncing in - but were unable to find a leveller in the second half.
The Rams face a resurgent Nottingham Forest in the east Midlands derby on Tuesday - but faced an uphill task after just eight minutes when Murray scored his second goal in the space of four days.
He side-footed in from after Kacaniklic had scampered down the left and clipped the ball into the box.
Kacaniklic, on loan from Fulham, was enjoying a fruitful spell down the left flank and he cut inside before firing inches wide moments later.
Sean Dyche's side did not have to wait long for the second goal and Kacaniklic was again at the heart of the move as the Hornets doubled their advantage.
Barker let the ball slip under his foot in the middle of the pitch and Kacaniklic pounced, using his pace to break free before squaring for Troy Deeney, whose deflected effort flew into the top corner.
The Pride Park faithful were silenced following Watford's electric start, but they came to life when Ben Davies' free-kick halved the deficit in the 31st minute.
Murray's foul on Jason Shackell gave Davies the opportunity to float in a delivery, which narrowly evaded the top of Steve Davies' head, before bouncing into the far corner.
Watford goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak was forced into crucial late saves, including a brilliant stop from Craig Bryson's volley. Adrian Mariappa produced a goal-line clearance to deny James Bailey as Watford held on.
