The returning Lazaridis was unfortunate that his snapshot from a Horsfield low cross was saved by Chamberlain's legs in the closest Blues came to scoring, while a legitimate penalty shout for a push by Cox on the Australian was waved away by referee Steve Baines in the second half.

The platform for Watford's success was the solid defensive partnership of Darren Ward and Robert Page, who stifled the threat of Geoff Horsfield and Mark Burchill.

At the other end Helguson could count himself unlucky for two goals ruled out on borderline offside decisions.

The first half was a dour tactical battle, with only one shot on target. It came from Stan Lazaridis, just back from the Olympics, but his close range effort from Horsfield's cross was well blocked by Alec Chamberlain.

Defences were very much on top, with David Holdsworth again a commanding figure for Blues against his former club, as Watford were limited to a poor header from Gifton Noel-Williams.

However, the game picked up after the interval, with chances created at either end.

Lazaridis teed up a shot for Bryan Hughes at the edge of the penalty area which Chamberlain, unsighted as the ball fizzed through a crowd of players, did remarkably well to turn wide.

At the other end Nielsen's snap-shot was well held by Ian Bennett, as both sides began to inject some pace into the proceedings.

Watford finally took control when they took the lead through Nielsen after 58 minutes. Blues half-cleared a corner to Heidar Helguson, whose shot was turned in by the Danish international from six yards.

Blues thought they may have had a lifeline when Lazaridis tumbled under pressure from Cox a moment later, but 'no penalty' was the verdict.

Helguson had a headed goal disallowed for offside before Watford capped their solid display with a fine goal.