Barry Ashby's own goal and a late Chris Eagles strike gave Watford a much-needed victory over Championship strugglers Gillingham at Vicarage Road.

Ashby, playing his first game in three weeks after returning from a shoulder injury, put through his own net in the 22nd minute while Eagles drilled a low shot seconds before the final whistle to give Watford all three points.

The win moved Watford onto 40 points but left Gillingham deep in relegation trouble as they remain third from bottom.

The Gills threatened first when Darren Byfield's cross in the second minute was headed over the bar by Nicky Southall.

Soon after Watford had their first sight of goal when a cross by Paul Devlin was caught on the volley by Neil Ardley, but his shot also went over the bar.

Both sides continued to create chances and Darius Henderson met a Southall cross but his powerful header was saved by Watford goalkeeper Paul Jones before Gavin Mahon's volley at the other end went wide.

Danny Webber then forced Jason Brown into a good save before Ashby's blunder gifted the lead to Watford.

The goal deflated Gillingham and Devlin had a good chance to double Watford's advantage, but his shot from the edge of the area was saved by Brown.

The impressive Johnnie Jackson saw his volley flash wide for Watford and then Ardley's low shot was saved by Brown.

Gillingham failed to really trouble Jones until just before half time when Henderson had two opportunities to level the scores.

First, his powerful shot was tipped over the bar by Jones, before his header from a Southall corner was saved by the goalkeeper to ensure Watford remained in the lead at half-time.

The Gills came out strongly in the second half and the dangerous Henderson again threatened straight after the re-start when his volley from distance was saved by Jones.

But Watford were keen to extend their lead and they forced a corner in the 57th minute. Ardley's cross was met in the area by defender Jay Demerit but his volley was caught by Brown.

Ian Cox's effort in the 62nd minute for Gillingham went wide and then his shot from six yards 10 minutes later went over the bar.

Michael Flynn, making his debut for the Gills after signing from Championship rivals Wigan, saw his 25-yard shot go wide of the Watford goal as they continued to press for an equaliser, and Darren Byfield volleyed wide from close range.

Despite Gillingham twice hitting the woodwork in the second half, it was Watford who scored the game's second goal when Eagles, with almost the last kick of the match, fired home to ensure the points.

Teams

Watford Jones, Doyley, Cox, Demerit, Darlington, Devlin (Eagles 79), Mahon, Jackson, Ardley, Helguson, Webber (Dyer 87).

Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, McNamee, Bouazza.

Booked: Cox.

Goals: Ashby 23 og, Eagles 90.

Gillingham Brown, Nosworthy, Ashby, Cox, Rose (Roberts 84), Southall, Smith, Flynn, Crofts, Byfield, Henderson.

Subs Not Used: Hills, Bossu, Pouton, Beckwith.

Booked: Henderson.

Att: 15,188

Ref: A Hall (W Midlands).