WATFORD reclaimed the Championship's top spot for the third time this season as Darius Henderson put on a masterclass fit for the Premiership to overshadow his more imperious opposite numbers.
Two goals from the hot-shot centre-forward were enough for the Hornets to secure a super away-day win in front of a dedicated yellow army following who'd made the trip to the principality.
On an awful night weather-wise, the Golden Boys took the lead when reborn Henderson crashed the ball home following a goal line melee involving numerous Hornets strikers and City stoppers.
But it was the much traveled Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink who temporarily reclaimed a point for the home side when he finally found his form at Ninian Park to confirm his status as their best player by far.
But as impressive as his CV is it was the less glamorous name of Henderson that stole the show with a sweet second goal that sealed a typically gutsy win on the road.
Aidy Boothroyd had earlier surprised the Hornets' faithful when he announced that their favorite son Marlon King was the one to make way for blonde bombshell Henderson - whose two goal salvo saved the day against the Saints on Sunday.
Former Bluebird Jobi McAnuff also found himself on the bench as loanee Adam Johnson made his full debut for the 'Orns. The only other change saw Adrian Mariappa taking his place in central midfield instead of the injured Lee Williamson.
Meanwhile Cardiff boss Dave Jones had the luxury of starting with his kingpin pair of Robbie Fowler and Hasselbaink, this after the former passed a late fitness test.
Under the Ninian Park floodlights and in the rain at a real football venue their was a sense of anticipation amongst the crowd, which sadly wasn't matched by the slow start on the pitch as both sides played out a cagey opening.
Indeed the first positive contribution didn't come until the 12th minute when Chris Gunter's delicate cross floated just over Mart Poom's crossbar. Some seconds later Poom was forced into more physical action, blocking Paul Parry's drive from the edge of the area.
It was with some surprise then that with their first attack of the game the Hornets swept into the lead.
After winning a free-kick wide on the left Boro' youngster Johnson delivered a wicked curling cross that caused absolute chaos in the City penalty area.
With legs tangling everywhere and the ball bobbling around Gavin Mahon was eventually able to steer it onto a post before watching it roll agonisingly back across the goal line.
He needn't have feared though because from close range Henderson was able to react by throwing his full body weight behind the ball to push it over the line and start the celebrations.
Watford were defending with their usual guts and glory approach, challenges and blocks flying in to limit the City chances.
That didn't stop Hasselbaink from wasting two gilt-edged chances though, as he twice snatched at a shot to send it sprawling into the Grange End.
A horrible mistake from skipper Mahon almost cost the visitors their lead when he failed to spot the lurking Hasselbaink as he laid an inexplicably short back pass to Poom. The former Chelsea striker pounced with stealth and was only denied by the Estonian's terrific reflex save down to his right.
As the rains rolled in ever heavily the half-time whistle blew and it was the Watford XI who were safely in for their team talk with the lead intact.
The second half started as slowly as the first but both sides soon crept up the gears, first Cardiff with a corner and shot from distance, then Watford with another marauding Lloyd Doyley run.
Just shy of the hour Tommy Smith capitalized on a loose ball from the Cardiff midfield and set the in-form Henderson free to the left of the area, his shot managing to sting the palms of Ross Turnbull but do no more.
With options on the bench Nathan Ellington was substituted for King as Boothroyd looked to renew his attack and extend the lead. Sadly the reverse happened.
Hasselbaink had been misfiring all night for the home side but it was heartbreak for Watford when he finally sparked into life slap-bang on the hour.
Collecting the ball midway inside Watford's half the ex-Leeds star took a touch before curling an excellent shot just inside Poom's left-hand post to secure the equaliser.
The home fans were purring at the sight of Hasselbaink in his pomp and 12 minutes later he flashed another drive past the outstretched arm of former Arsenal man Poom.
Having conceded the goal Boothroyd had allowed his side to settle back into a rhythm before making his second change which saw John-Joe O'Toole introduced for Mariappa.
Poom was again the saviour of the stretched Watford defence as he then saved from an impressive Trevor Sinclair shot.
But with less than 15 minutes to go Henderson smashed the Hornets back into a deserved lead, to turn his personal tally into a sensational five in three games.
With Johnson's corner cleared by the City defence it was left to Doyley and Mahon to restart the attack, which they did with the skipper lofting a high ball over the statuesque home defence.
Stepping up to appeal for offside they had failed to notice the onrushing centre-forward who walloped home on the half-volley from just inside the area.
After snubbing the threat of Fowler for the best part of the game the former Liverpool man was finally sacrificed for fellow striker Peter Whittingham. In between Watford had swapped McAnuff for Johnson.
Henderson might have sealed a hat-trick with moments to go as he escaped the attention of the linesman's flag, but on this occasion his shot only found the body of Turnbull.
Thankfully Watford didn't need a third as Henderson's two goal haul saw them home and sent the traveling 'Orns packing with a smile as broad as Cardiff Bay.
CARDIFF CITY (4-4-2): Turnbull; Gunter (Thompson 82), Johnson, McNaughton, Capaldi; Sinclair, McPhail (c), Rae, Parry; Hasselbaink, Fowler (Whittingham 84). Subs not used: Oakes (gk), Ledley, Blake.
WATFORD (4-4-2): Poom; Doyley, Shittu, DeMerit, Stewart; Johnson (McAnuff 79), Mahon (c), Mariappa (O'Toole 73), Smith; Ellington (King 59), Henderson. Subs not used: Lee (gk), Priskin.
BOOKINGS: CARDIFF CITY; none. WATFORD; none.
SENDINGS OFF: CARDIFF CITY; none. WATFORD; none.
GOALS: CARDIFF CITY; Hasselbaink (60). WATFORD; Henderson (18, 78).
REFEREE: L Probert.
ATTENDANCE: 13,169. (405 Watford supporters)
