Watford 1 West Brom 0

Megson was the first to admit that Albion got exactly what they deserved: "Only two players out of eleven played up to their supposed capabilities.

"The players were lobbying us in July claiming their deserved better bonuses and Premier League salaries. They had the chance to make their point and earn those bonuses today but they just surrendered."

The first half was pretty one sided, but for all their possession they failed to trouble Russell Hoult, one of the two players Megson exonerated.

Albion were no better in the second half and Watford could not be denied. They put in a relentless performance, combining hard work with some exciting football.

They even recovered from the disappointment of seeing skipper Neil Cox's 55th minute penalty being saved after Tommy Smith was brought down in the box by Darren Moore.

Watford stepped up the pressure. Having already gone close when Allan Nielsen fired onto the bar, they forced Hoult into another fine save when he pushed away a Paulo Vernazza shot from the top corner.

There was something inevitable about the goal even though the fans had to wait until the 81st minute.

Helguson started the move and the inspirational Micah Hyde fed the ball to man-of-the-match Jermaine Pennant who in turn set up the Icelandic striker who beat Hoult from 14 yards.

Watford had a scare when a deflected free kick set up Larus Sigurdssson, whose header came down off the bar and Gavin Mahon cleared off the line.

Said Megson: "It would have been a tragedy for Watford if that had have gone in. They didn't deserve anything other than a victory."