Sunderland 4-2 Watford

Marcus Stewart grabbed a hat-trick as Sunderland maintained their promotion push with victory over Watford.

The striker headed home his first goal from a fine cross by the lively Stephen Elliott in the 19th minute.

He converted a George McCartney-won penalty and then poached a third before Chris Brown fired in Steve Caldwell's knock-down for Sunderland's fourth.

Two late consolation strikes by Bruce Dyer flattered Watford, who were generally outplayed by their hosts.

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Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy:

"The difference now from the last six to eight weeks is that he's putting the ball in the net.

"Stewy was much maligned at times so it was lovely to be able to take him off and see him get a standing ovation, which he has deserved.

"I think he and Stephen Elliott are our best partnership. Stephen was excellent - how he's not scored I don't know."

Watford boss Ray Lewington:

"We never got going, the first three goals were all down to us. If you give goals away like we did it's hard to get back.

"You come to these big clubs and you know you're going to get beaten - we know it's going to be tough in games like these.

"It wasn't a very good display. We've got to get more discipline and consistency in our play."

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Sunderland: Myhre, Wright, Breen, Caldwell, McCartney, Whitehead, Robinson, Whitley, Arca, Elliott, Stewart (Brown 67). Subs Not Used: Alnwick, Welsh, Thornton, Danny Collins.

Goals: Stewart 18, 33 pen, 51, Brown 73.

Watford: Jones, Darlington, Demerit, Cox, Doyley (Eagles 54), Ardley (Young 84), Jackson, Mahon, Chambers, Webber, Helguson (Dyer 70). Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Blizzard.

Booked: Jackson.

Goals: Dyer 76, 90.

Att: 24,948

Ref: T Bates (Staffordshire).