The Golden Boys got off to a flying start in the 17th second when Danny Graham came back to haunt the side where he spent four years learning his trade by collecting a poor back pass from David Wheater and taking the ball around Boro’s Jason Steele before rolling it into the net.
Boro could’ve have equalized in the 9th minute when Leroy Lita had a good opportunity only for Scott Loach to push the ball around the post. Two minutes later Watford stunned Middlesbrough when Don Cowie sent in a corner which was cleared to Jordan Mutch on the edge of the box who smashed in a 25 yard half volley to the delight of the home fans.
The game was over in the 20th minute when Danny Graham scored his second; this time it was a simple tap in. As the third goal went in Watford fans started singing, “Are you Millwall in disguise?” following Watford’s empathic 6-1 win at The New Den last week.
Boro did manage to get a consolation goal ten minutes from time when Mariappa put Scott McDonald’s cross into his own net but the North East side never looked like getting back into the game. This result leaves the Golden Boys sitting in third just a point off second placed Cardiff and seven off rivals QPR.
Next up is a return to Vicarage Road for ex-Hornet coach Brendan Rodgers who will bring his Swansea side on Tuesday night – Rodgers is unlikely to get a warm reception following his deflection to Reading last summer which should make for an excellent atmosphere.