Eustace powers Hornets to victory

Watford moved further away from the npower Championship relegation zone after John Eustace's double gave them a 2-1 win over Barnsley at Vicarage Road.

With 32 minutes gone Watford deservedly went in front when Sean Murray's free-kick cannoned off the Barnsley wall into the path of Eustace who adjusted his body well and acrobatically hooked the ball across Luke Steele and in off the post.

Just as Barnsley were looking dangerous, Watford doubled their lead in the 68th minute.

A poor header out from Stephen Foster fell to Eustace just outside the box and he rode a couple of half-hearted challenges before slipping the ball past Steele.

Steele made a good save to prevent Lloyd Doyley making it 3-0 and with five minutes remaining Scott Wiseman's cross was flicked on by Craig Davies and debutant Scott Golbourne arrived at the far post to halve the deficit.

Barnsley pressed in the final stages but were unable to find a way through as Watford moved 12 points clear of the bottom three.