THE Watford manager praised the all round team ethic as a battling 10 men finished the game earning the Golden Boys three crucial points in the Championship promotion mix.

The Hornets had to do without John-Joe O'Toole for the second half as the Irish youngster was sent off in the closing stages of the first half.

But Watford fought back and responded with a heroic performance and Darius Henderson tapped home the goal that won the three points - right at the end of the first half.

Aidy Boothroyd praised the qualities shown by his men and he feels they'll need to show more of them in the forthcoming months as the race at the top goes right up until May.

He said: "If Saturday's win at Ipswich was a big one then this was massive for us. It is going to go right to the wire and we have to make sure we're disciplined enough to grind out results.

"It was a bit of a fighting start, they've got a terrific defensive record and you can see why because they throw bodies in there. We opened them up on two or three occasions and Jobi McAnuff was outstanding tonight."

The manager also had praise for the goalscorer and his tremendous work ethic. He added: "Henderson was very, very good. He was on his own up front and battled manfully and put them under pressure.

"The crowd was fantastic, the decision brought everyone together. We've had two very good wins and the crowd is with us again."

Boothroyd says he will take a second look at the sending off incident, commenting: "I didn't think it was a sending off but I'm going to have a proper look at it on the playback and we'll contest it if it what I think it is. Apparently he has denied a goal scoring opportunity."

The Hornets had to do without Tommy Smith this evening but Boothroyd explained that he didn't want to risk the wide man and is expecting him to be fit for the visit to the Valley this weekend. He is expected to be joined by captain Jay DeMerit - who is on the way back to fitness after a groin injury.

Finally the boss has a feeling that tonight's victory could be one that Watford fans look back on come May. He said: "When you look back at the end of the season you could say that tonight was one of those big, big wins."