Brighton inflicted further misery on relegation-threatened Watford with a win at Vicarage Road that boosts their own outside chance of playing European football next season.
Roy Hodgson is yet to earn a point since taking charge of the Hornets three games ago and his side remain second bottom of the Premier League, three points from safety having not won since November.
Neal Maupay looped a superb half-volley into the top corner from Tariq Lamptey's low cross moments before the break to open the scoring for Brighton.
Watford's struggles in front of goal continued despite Emmanuel Dennis proving a threat, striking the crossbar after a neat solo run in the second half.