Watford's fluctuating season took another downturn at Vicarage Road as their bid to climb back into the play-off positions was thwarted.

Burnley striker Gareth Taylor, on loan from Manchester City, put an end to Watford's hopes with a 74th-minute strike.

The home side made most of the running but were unable to find a way through a determined defence and hardly helped themselves with some woeful passing.

Burnley could have taken the lead after three minutes when Ian Moore stretched out a foot to deflect a John Mullin cross wide of keeper Espen Baardsen but wide of the far post.

Tommy Mooney forced Nik Michopoulos to make a smart save when he brought down a 12th-minute cross and fired goalwards.

But for all Watford's pressure, that was the only on-target shot in the first half - Mooney lashing another shooting chance well over the bar after half an hour.

The home side came out in more determined mood after the break but Heidar Helguson and Allan Nielsen sent in useful attempts under pressure in goalmouth melees, but either the keeper was behind them or they fired wide.

Former Tottenham keeper Baardsen, however, had to make a smart save to clasp a curling Lee Briscoe free kick and was well positioned to take a shot from Moore and another from Taylor.

Watford fell behind after 73 minutes when Darren Ward failed to clear a cross from Paul Weller and was surprised as Taylor came in to pinch the winner.

The Clarets held to revive their own hopes of making the play-offs - and dent the hopes of the Hornets.

Teams:

Watford: Baardsen, Cox, Panayi, Ward, Robinson, Smith, Vernazza, Nielsen, Easton (Kennedy 84), Helguson (Hyde 69), Mooney.

Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Page, Perpetuini.

Burnley: Michopoulos, Weller, Cox, Davis, Thomas, Briscoe, Ball, Cook (Armstrong 76), Moore (Payton 88), Taylor, Mullin (Maylett 81).

Subs Not Used: Crichton, West.

Booked: Ball.

Goals: Taylor 73.

Att: 13,653

Ref: G Laws (Whitley Bay).