Watford 2-3 Middlesbrough: Michael Carrick's side continue upturn with win at Hornets

Riley McGree (centre) scored twice for Middlesbrough at Vicarage Road to take his tally to five for the season

Middlesbrough continued their return to form with a third win from four unbeaten against an under-performing Watford at Vicarage Road.

Michael Carrick's side had to wait until their eighth Championship games of the season for a first success but since then have kicked on.

Opposite number Valerien Ismael has been unable to gain consistency from his Hornets side, who lie just a point above Boro in 20th place.

The Teessiders owed this win to Australia midfielder Riley McGree, who had been pushing for a start, and his quickfire double opened up a 2-0 lead inside 12 minutes.

First he took a Jonny Howson pass and slid the ball past Watford's Daniel Bachmann, before crashing home a centre having started the move for his second.

Watford to their credit responded swiftly, as Ryan Porteous sent the ball forward and Vakoun Bayo, who had been denied in the opening part of the game, fired past Seny Dieng.

Both sides continued to trade potshots as attacks swarmed defences, and Watford eventually levelled in the second half when Wesley Hoedt rapped a half-volley into the roof of the net after a poor clearance.

Boro took the points though when Josh Coburn was put away by Matt Crooks and he fired home the deciding third 11 minutes later

Both goalkeepers had further work to do, but Coburn's effort proved the difference and ensured a second league win for the travelling support.

Carrick's belief that his side would come good has been borne out by results, with last week's win over Southampton followed up by cup and league successes.

They had to ride their luck at times, notably when Matheus Martins struck the bar in stoppage-time, but their early flurry from McGree and a cool finish by homegrown talent Coburn delivered an impressive away success.

Watford and Bachmann showed why they had been one of the tightest defences in the league before last weekend's 3-0 loss to Leeds, but that record has been blown away by the concession of three goals in each of their past two games.

Boss Ismael's thoughts might well be consumed by the fate of his numerous predecessors, notably Rob Edwards, who only lasted 11 games into September last season.

Edwards departed with three wins in 10 league games, and the Frenchman is in similar territory this term with two from nine.

Watford head coach Valerien Ismael told BBC Three Counties Radio:

"In the first half, I took the decision to change something tactically, it didn't work out and the opponents scored two goals quickly.

"The decision was not the right call, so the first half I have to take on me, but I was pleased with our reaction in the second half, we looked more dangerous.

"It's tough period but it's still early in the season. We know how hard the Championship is and we need a turnaround next week to get that confidence back.

"We need too many chances to score goals, we need to become more ruthless."

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick:

"It was a very good win. A bit of all sorts in there. We started well and then let them back into it out of nowhere.

"But we managed to find a way. Being 2-2 after going 2-0 up and still winning shows a lot of character and a lot of heart. I thought we dug in well after half-time. It's not easy when you start the game so well and then lose the flow.

"It's been a big week in terms of results. Winning games does give you extra zip, extra energy and a little bit of confidence.

"We've probably played better in games and lost this season. It just shows that you've got top go through that spell and earn it really, to come out on top."