Football: HEIDAR ON MARK FOR HORNETS

A HEIDAR Helguson goal gave Watford the best possible start to the New Year against 10-man Millwall.

It was their first home league win since August.

After a largely forgettable first half, the game picked up after Danny Dichio's sending-off in the 53rd minute. Watford assumed control and secured the points 15 minutes from time.

The tireless Helguson nipped in front of his marker to stab home a teasing cross from substitute Anthony McNamee.

For the home side experienced keeper Paul Jones deputised for the injured Richard Lee. Striker Danny Webber and Hameur Bouazza returned to the squad.

Millwall manager Dennis Wise, who was stretchered off during the 3- 0 win at Derby, was on the bench. Barry Hayles started up front.

The first meaningful chance came on 12 minutes. Millwall's combative midfielder Marvin Elliott found space 20 yards out and his powerful drive was deflected inches wide.

It was to prove a rare glimmer of entertainment. As the rain came down passes went astray and shots miscued.

But after the half-hour mark Watford briefly picked up the pace. Chambers got on the end of a long ball from Darlington but his chip drifted a fraction wide. A minute later Marshall tipped over Helguson's header.

In the second half Millwall pressed forward and captain Muscat swung a shot over. But they were soon down to 10 men.

Dichio, who was booked in the first half after tangling with Shaun Dyche, received his marching orders for a dangerous challenge on the same player.

Dyche had to be substituted and to the biggest cheer of the game was replaced by Danny Webber. Then Helguson struck - but the home side had to survive a late scare when Alan Dunne headed against the bar.

MAN OF THE MATCH

HEIDAR HELGUSON

Scored the vital winner.

WATFORD: Jones 6, Gunnarsson 7, Cox 6, Dyche 6 (Webber 6), Mahon 6, Devlin 7, Darlington 6, HELGUSON 8, Chambers 7, Doyley 6, Jackson 5 (McNamee 7).

MILLWALL: Marshall 6, Lawrence 5, Serioux 4 (Healy 5), Livermore 5, Dichio 3, Muscat 5, Morris 5 (Dunne 4), Hayles 5, Elliott 6, Sweeney 4,(Simpson 4) Phillips 5.

MANAGERS: Lewington 7; Wise 4

REFEREE: C Tenton 6

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