An Ashley Young-inspired Watford romped to a 4-0 victory over Coventry to keep the Hornets in the hunt for an automatic promotion spot.

Young opened the scoring and provided assists for Marlon King and Darius Henderson before Jay DeMerit wrapped up the points.

Watford are the Coca-Cola Championship's form side with four successive victories which have propelled them to third in the league - and on this form it is easy to see why.

Coventry had been on a fine run recently with three consecutive League wins turning them from relegation candidates to potential play-off contenders.

Both sides have also been free scoring during their impressive runs, promising an action-packed encounter packed with goals.

And things looked that way as Young signalled the home side's early intent when he volleyed over the bar from 12 yards with just three minutes gone.

Coventry were the first to test a goalkeeper when Gary McSheffrey's drilled effort was parried to safety by Ben Foster.

King, who caused all sorts of problems for Sheffield United in the Hornets' 4-1 win on Monday, volleyed a Henderson cross over the bar.

Either side looked capable of taking the lead but it was the Hornets who got their noses in front just after the half-hour mark.

Matt Spring found space down the left to send a cross into the Sky Blues area for the waiting Young, and the teenage striker crashed the ball home for his 12th goal of the season.

Spring volleyed over as the home side looked to increase their advantage before the break, but no second goal was forthcoming before the referee signalled for half-time.

Watford came out strong after the interval and the dangerous King fired wide from six yards.

But the former Nottingham Forest striker was not to be denied his 16th goal of the season when he pounced in the 59th minute.

A corner from Young sailed towards the near post for King to head beyond Marton Fulop.

Micky Adams made a double substitution in the 63rd minute as Dennis Wise and Richard Shaw were replaced by Kevin Thornton and Claus Jorgensen respectively.

Thornton almost made an immediate impression when his drilled effort was parried away by Foster but, unfortunately for the visitors, Watford made sure there was no way back with 12 minutes remaining.

Young again provided the assist as he crossed for Henderson to head the ball home from close range.

And DeMerit made the victory even more emphatic as the game drew to a close when he headed into the top of the goal in the 82nd minute.

Watford Foster, Doyley, Mackay, DeMerit, Stewart, Young,Mahon (Chambers 61), Spring, McNamee (Bouazza 45),Henderson (Eagles 79), King.

Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Carlisle.

Booked: Henderson, Mackay.

Goals: Young 32, King 59, Henderson 78, DeMerit 82.

Coventry Fulop, Whing, Hall, Page, Shaw (Jorgensen 65),Williams, Hutchison (Morrell 58), Wise (Thornton 64), Doyle,McSheffrey, Adebola.

Subs Not Used: Ince, Heath.

Booked: Hutchison, Whing, Page.

Att: 19,842

Ref: T Kettle (Berkshire).