Matthew Spring's first-half double and second half goals from Marlon King and Ashley Young gave Watford a 4-1 victory over Crewe in the Coca-Cola Championship match at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets had gone into the match knowing a win would see them leapfrog Leeds into third spot in the Championship table and they did so in emphatic style - although the scoreline was certainly flattering.

Crewe had applied much of the early pressure but could not find a breakthrough until substitute Luke Rodgers fired in a late goal just seconds after coming on.

The visitors had looked sharp right from the outset and Kenny Lunt had their first shot on goal with barely a minute on the clock, although Alec Chamberlain was on hand to make the save.

Seven minutes later the same player tried his luck with a free kick from fully 35 yards out after Gareth Taylor had been fouled by Malky Mackay, with Chamberlain again on hand to repel the danger.

Darius Henderson headed over for Watford from Gavin Mahon's cross before Steve Jones had another good chance to open the scoring for Crewe.

Unfortunately for Dario Gradi's men, his shot came back off the crossbar with Chamberlain beaten - and Watford punished them shortly afterwards.

Jordan Stewart drilled in a right-footed effort from 30 yards that Ross Turnbull saved but, less than a minute later, Spring did find the back of the net.

The cross was provided by Henderson from the left wing, and Spring powered home a shot from distance that Turnbull could not keep out.

Henderson had a header saved as the home side pushed for a second goal and pressure eventually told after 25 minutes, with Spring again the goalscorer.

Again Henderson was involved, as his left-foot volley was parried by Turnbull into the path of Spring, who made no mistake from 12 yards.

Spring then had a chance to make it a first-half hat-trick but he dragged his shot wide of the target.

Crewe made a goalkeeping change at the interval, replacing Turnbull with Stuart Tomlinson, and the new man was soon called into the action to deny Henderson and Young.

He was powerless to prevent Marlon King making it 3-0 just before the hour, however, as the former Nottingham Forest and Gillingham striker drove home from the edge of the penalty area after Mackay had headed into his path.

Three minutes later Young added his name to the scoresheet, firing home from close range after good work from Chris Eagles.

Alhassan Bangura almost made it five only for Tomlinson to make the parry, before Alex grabbed a consolation goal with nine minutes left.

Rodgers had replaced Gary Roberts only seconds before, and he volleyed in Billy Jones' cross with his first contribution although it was scant consolation.

Teams

Watford Chamberlain, Doyley, Mackay, DeMerit, Stewart,Eagles (Chambers 74), Mahon, Spring, Young,Henderson (Bouazza 54), King (Bangura 65).

Subs Not Used: Carlisle, McNamee.

Goals: Spring 18, 26, King 58, Young 62.

Crewe Turnbull (Tomlinson 45), Moss, Foster, Walker,Otsemobor, Gary Roberts (Rodgers 79), Vaughan, Lunt,Billy Jones, Taylor (Varney 77), Steve Jones.

Subs Not Used: Cochrane, McCready.

Goals: Rodgers 81.

Att: 11,722

Ref: K Friend (Leicestershire).