Sheff Utd 1-2 Watford

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Icelandic striker Heidar Helguson was at the centre of two pivotal first-half minutes as Watford toppled high-flying Sheffield United.

The Hornets were a goal down when Helguson was brought down in the penalty area in the 36th minute.

Phil Jagielka was sent off for the home side before the visitors' skipper Neil Cox converted the resulting spot-kick.

With Neil Warnock's men still reeling from the double blow, Paul Robinson then crossed for Helguson to put his side ahead with a deft flick.

It was an extraordinary turnaround as United had made most of the running and tested Watford goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain on several occasions.

Everything seemed on course for another victory for the in-form Blades when striker Wayne Allison continued his hot streak to put them a goal up after 10 minutes.

The former Huddersfield and Tranmere frontman got in at the far post to convert a right-wing cross from strike partner Peter Ndlovu for his third goal in as many games.

But Watford's two-goal blast turned the match around.

Blades boss Warnock threw on striker Michael Boulding, signed on loan from Aston Villa on Friday, in an attempt to find an equaliser.

And the 10-man home side caused Watford plenty of problems.

Ndlovu fired a shot just wide and Allison missed with a header as they threw men forward in an attempt to rescue their unbeaten home record.

The Hornets lost Micah Hyde with three minutes left when he was given a second yellow card for a foul on Tonge.

But they hung on for a welcome victory.

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Sheff Utd: Kenny, Kozluk, Jagielka, Murphy, Ullathorne, McGovern, Brown, McCall, Tonge, Allison, Ndlovu. Subs: Page, Montgomery, Ten Heuvel, Smith, Boulding.

Watford: Chamberlain, Doyley, Cox, Gayle, Robinson, Ardley, Hyde, Hand, Nielsen, Helguson, Webber. Subs: Lee, Glass, Mahon, Johnson, Ifil.

Referee: C Foy (Merseyside)