Heidar Helguson's first-half goal earned Adrian Boothroyd his first win as Watford manager as well as three crucial points in his side's fight to stave off relegation.

Three successive defeats since taking over at Vicarage Road had left many supporters questioning the appointment of the inexperienced Boothroyd at such a crucial stage of the season.

However, the former Leeds first-team coach will now be feeling much better as Helguson's strike was enough to secure a priceless 1-0 win at relegated Rotherham.

Watford's cause was aided considerably by the home side's generosity as Helguson cashed in on some alarming Rotherham defending to poke home Chris Eagles' corner after 32 minutes.

Indeed, Mick Harford's men hardly had a strike on goal all afternoon and a major overhaul in personnel seems a necessity if they are to bounce back from League One next season.

It was a damning indictment of Rotherham's lackadaisical attitude that the visitors nearly swept into a fourth-minute lead when Chris Eagles' right-foot drive had to be expertly tipped around a post by goalkeeper Mike Pollitt.

Pollitt eclipsed that feat shortly afterwards with an even better save off Bruce Dyer.

Dyer's thumping point-blank header seemed destined for the back of the net, but Pollitt, Rotherham's saviour on countless times this season, showed blistering reactions to snuff out the danger.

Rotherham partially recovered from a sloppy start and enjoyed a promising spell of pressure which culminated with Shaun Barker's glancing header going just wide of the target.

Watford remained in control, however, and responded with a Helguson scuffed strike from distance which was well gathered by Pollitt.

The Iceland international had now found his range and made swift retribution by scoring the winning goal minutes later.

Eagles' corner was only half-cleared by the Rotherham defence and Helguson emerged from an unsightly ruck to stab the ball into the back of the net from close range.

Harford's words of wisdom at the interval clearly fell on deaf ears as Rotherham rarely threatened in the final third of the field after the restart.

Indeed, Helguson should have confirmed an away win on the hour mark when he failed to trouble Pollitt from close range.

But with time running out, striker Tony Thorpe - a virtual spectator all afternoon - should have snatched a point Rotherham simply did not deserve when he headed just over the crossbar from 10 yards.

Teams

Rotherham Pollitt, Scott, Barker, McIntosh, Hurst (Warne 77), Mullin, Vernazza (Newsham 56), Keane, McLaren, Butler, Thorpe.

Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Hoskins, Minto.

Booked: Mullin, Butler.

Watford Chamberlain, Cox, Chambers, Doyley, Cullip, Gunnarsson, Mahon, Young (Blizzard 82), Eagles (McNamee 44), Dyer, Helguson.

Subs Not Used: Dyche, Bouazza, Kirk.

Booked: Eagles, McNamee, Cox, Gunnarsson.

Goals: Helguson 32.

Att: 5,438

Ref: C Webster (Tyne & Wear).