Watford 1-2 Cardiff City: Callum Robinson double helps Cardiff stun Watford

Tom Cleverly made four changes to the team which beat Portsmouth 2-1 on Boxing Day.

Rocco Vata, who scored the winner for the Hornets, was handed a start in place of the suspended Kwadwo Baah – who was sent off for taunting the Portsmouth fans at full time.

Cardiff, meanwhile, made three changes from their 3-2 defeat at Oxford United, including a start for youngster Ashford.

And it was the Bluebirds who were ahead within 60 seconds.

Callum O’Dowda picked out compatriot Robinson inside the Watford box, and the Republic of Ireland striker did excellently to turn and find the bottom corner.

Watford appeared stunned having conceded so early, and took 18 minutes before carving out their first chance, but Vata’s shot from the edge of the area went over.

The Hornets grew into the game as the first half ticked by, but the visitors remained a threat on the counter attack.

Cardiff had to wait until the 34th minute for their second shot of the game, Robinson almost turning provider as he picked out Ashford near the penalty spot, but the 20-year-old made a hash of the attempt.

The visitors were immediately made to pay for their missed opportunity, as Vata’s cross ran all the way through to Chakvetadze, who took one touch before beating Alnwick.

Just as all the momentum seemed to be with Watford, Cardiff struck straight back.

Chris Willock won the ball back for the Bluebirds before playing a through ball to Ashford, and the youngster showed brilliant composure to square the ball to Robinson for a tap in.

Watford continued the see the vast majority of possession without causing Cardiff keeper Alnwick much concern.

At the other end, Cardiff almost had a third when Manolis Siopis had a shot from the edge of the Watford box, but the Greece international’s strike was deflected just past the post.

Cardiff had another chance to extend their lead as a loose pass allowed Ollie Tanner to race in behind the Watford defence, but Daniel Bachmann turned his shot over.

Watford’s best chance to equalise came on 79 minutes as substitute Daniel Jebbison could not make proper contact with a header after a flick on at the front post.

Seven minutes of stoppage time led to a nervy finish at Vicarage Road.

Watford sent countless crosses into the Cardiff box, but the visitors held on for a crucial three points in their fight to avoid relegation.

Cardiff City manager Omer Riza:

“It was an important win, it doesn’t matter where it comes from.

“It’s good to get a result against Watford who haven’t lost at home in 17. It’s a tough place to come, a top six team.

“The boys had to put in a performance. They knew how important it was and I think they’ve done that today.”