Joao Pedro's double was enough for a victory over Reading that sent Watford into the Championship play-off places.
The Brazilian forward scored a goal in each half to give the Hornets a sixth win in 10 games since Slaven Bilic took charge.
Pedro calmly converted from the spot after he had been fouled by Ovie Ejaria as Reading failed to clear a Watford corner.
And he wrapped up a deserved victory with a controlled half-volley past substitute goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis late on.
In between Pedro's two composed strikes, Watford looked most likely to add further goals against a Reading side that has now gone four league games without a win.