Watford 3-0 Barnsley

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Two goals from Heidar Helguson sank struggling Barnsley and gave boss Watford boss Gianluca Vialli some much-needed breathing space.

Helguson struck on the hour and then wrapped up the win with a last-minute goal as Watford ran out easy winners over the First Division's worst away team.

But the Hornets struggled earlier in the game as managerless Barnsley frustrated them.

Watford should have been ahead after 10 minutes when Patrick Blondeau sent Micah Hyde down the right and his pin-point cross was met by Tommy Smith.

But goalkeeper Kevin Miller, playing against his old club, made a comfortable save from Smith's downward header.

Twice denied

It was a closer call on the half-hour when Neil Cox sent Hyde clear with a 40-yard pass only for the midfielder to hesitate as he took on Miller and allow Barnsley to clear.

Watford finally went ahead in the 50th minute when Ramon Vega's cross was met by the unmarked Smith.

Helguson, twice denied by good saves from Miller, finally beat him in the 61st minute.

He prodded home the rebound after the keeper had blocked his close-range effort.

Paolo Vernazza, Hyde and Smith all went close as Watford threatened to run riot.

Barnsley had only one opportunity but Brian O'Callaghan headed wide from Barnard's cross.

Helguson had the last word when Vernazza sent Glass clear on the left and his low cross was side-footed home by the Icelandic international.

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Watford: Chamberlain, Galli, Issa, Cox, Hyde, Vernazza, Blondeau, Hughes, Glass, Smith, Helguson. Subs: Baardsen, Vega, Wooter, Noel-Williams, Noble.

Barnsley: Miller, Mulligan, Morgan, Chettle, Barker, Gorre, Neil, Lumsdon, Barnard, Dyer, Fallon. Subs: Marriott, O'Callaghan, Tinkler, Gallen, Sand.

Referee: R Oliver (Sutton Coldfield).