Wigan Athletic 0-2 Watford

Troy Deeney scored his 19th goal of the season

Two goals from Troy Deeney lifted Watford to the top of the Championship on goal difference as they beat strugglers Wigan.

An even contest was decided by two clinical pieces of finishing with Deeney heading home Adlene Guedioura's cross early in the second half.

Then, with 90 minutes played, Fernando Forestieri was felled in the penalty area by Emmerson Boyce.

Deeney sent Ali Al Habsi the wrong way for his 19th goal of the season.

Watford are one goal better off than second-placed Middlesbrough, who beat Derby. Bournemouth slipped to third after a draw with Cardiff.

The result at the DW Stadium marked a triumphant return for Ben Watson, Wigan's 2013 FA Cup-winning goalscorer, whose January move to Vicarage Road has ignited the Hornets' promotion push.

In contrast, his former team remain six points from safety, having played a game more than Rotherham, who are a place above them and clear of the relegation zone.

Wigan never gave up the fight but remain winless on home soil for more than six months heading into Saturday's visit of local rivals Bolton.

Deeney was a threat throughout and twice came close to scoring early on but Al Habsi was equal to both chances.

Wigan's Leon Clarke had a goal disallowed for offside and team-mate Marc-Antoine Fortune had the hosts' best chance of the first half, but his half-volley was straight at Heurelho Gomes.

Sheyi Ojo was also guilty of profligacy as he squandered Jermaine Pennant's cross.

After surviving those scares, Watford went ahead as Guedioura led a devastating counter-attack and turned provider for Deeney.

And the striker made no mistake from the spot in injury time to send the visiting fans home content.

Wigan boss Malky Mackay:

"Troy Deeney is a terrific centre-forward - that's why I bought him to Watford in the first place. He's far and away the best centre-forward in this division, he's an all-rounder.

"Quite rightly because of his hard work, he will end up in the Premier League - one way or another.

"We went toe-to-toe with Watford and for vast parts of the game we were equal with them. You would think something would drop for you, but they were putting their bodies on the line and showing why they are where they are at the moment."

Watford manager Slavisa Jokanovic:

"Troy Deeney is in a good moment of form, which is good news for us. The first goal was really out of nothing, and he attacked the ball well.

"I am also happy with how he is working without the ball, and pressing the opposition centre-backs.

"We started the game a little bit waiting to see what was going to happen, and in the first half it was 50-50. In the second half we played with more offensive play, we scored a goal and we then could have scored more."