Watford secured a crucial three points in their fight to avoid the drop zone at the expense of a Wimbledon side who have forgotten how to win.
Stuart Murdoch's charges went into the Nationwide Division One clash having suffered defeat in their last five league matches, but any hopes that their fortunes would take a turn for the better were eradicated within the opening five minutes.
Wimbledon defender Rob Gier found himself in all sorts of trouble when a poor pass was intercepted by Hornets striker Lee Cook, who started and finished a fine flowing move.
Cook broke forward and fed Scott Fitzgerald who in turn played a delightful through-ball to Paul Devlin.
Devlin then laid the ball off to the advancing Cook and he made no mistake in slotting home beyond goalkeeper Steve Banks.
Despite their lowly position the visitors responded in spirited fashion and Ben Chorley forced Watford 'keeper Lenny Pidgeley into a fine fingertip save with a well directed header just minutes later.
The Dons were full of spirit and enthusiasm but lacking in attacking threat whereas, by contrast, the hosts always looked dangerous and with the first half drawing to a close they extended their lead.
Cook surged into the box and Jermain Darlington appeared to catch the forward's ankle as he fell inside the area.
The referee pointed to the spot and Neil Cox converted, blasting the ball into the bottom left corner.
Cook was proving the difference between the two sides with his willingness to chase down every ball, and he came close to adding a third to Watford's tally six minutes into the second period.
The livewire hitman connected with a left foot volley from the edge of the area that Banks did well to steer round the upright.
With a two goal cushion the Hornets started to adopt a shoot-on-sight policy and Devlin, Gavin Mahon and Fitzgerald all attempted long-range efforts that failed to trouble Banks.
But the Wimbledon shot stopper was powerless to prevent Watford from extending their advantage in the 62nd minute, with Cook again to the fore.
His pass found Jack Smith inside the box and the defender struck low down the centre of the goal to put the game beyond the Dons.
To their credit Murdoch's men continued to battle and Malvin Kamara struck the woodwork with a ferocious 35-yard strike.
But former Dons star Neal Ardley converted a Devlin cross with 76 minutes gone to seal the points for Watford.
Teams
Watford: Pidgeley, Cox, Dyche, Ifil, Smith, Ardley, Hyde,
Mahon, Fitzgerald (Vernazza 76), Cook (Dyer 80), Devlin.
Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Hand, Doyley.
Booked: Hyde.
Goals: Cook 5, Cox 39 pen, Smith 63, Ardley 77.
Wimbledon: Banks, Darlington, Gier, Gordon (Kamara 65),
Hawkins, Barton, Campbell-Ryce (Mackie 66), Chorley,
Harding (Jarrett 82), Gray, Lewington.
Subs Not Used: Herzig, Worgan.
Booked: Chorley.
Att: 15,323
Ref: R Olivier (W Midlands).
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