Relegation-battlers Millwall pulled off a shock, but deserved victory at Watford this afternoon to dent the Hornets' automatic promotion hopes.

Carl Asaba's strike just after the hour and a stoppage-time effort from Ben May proved the difference between the two sides after Gavin Mahon had missed a first-half penalty for the hosts.

Although they dominated for large spells of the match, Watford were made to pay for not being creative enough in front of goal.

However, despite their victory, the Lions remain in the bottom three, with Sheffield Wednesday maintaining a five-point cushion after also producing a shock result at play-off chasing Wolves.

It had been a positive start to the match by the home side, who started the day

three points behind Sheffield United, one ahead of Leeds, and looking to build on their victory at Southampton on Monday night.

Just five minutes had gone when Watford winger Ashley Young was tripped by Marvin Elliott on the left flank.

The resulting free-kick was floated towards the far post, and defender Paul Robinson did well to head over his own crossbar when under pressure from Darius Henderson.

Watford were dominant, but unable to find a telling pass.

In a rare attack from the visitors, Jamie Vincent sent a low drive goalwards from 25 yards, which Hornets keeper Ben Foster gathered comfortably as the quarter-hour mark approached.

Watford were then awarded a penalty in the 25th minute.

Gavin Mahon's long throw-in was adjudged to have been handled by Zak Whitbread, referee Andy D'Urso pointing immediately to the spot.

Midfielder Mahon elected to take the penalty himself - but Lions keeper Andy Marshall pulled off a fine save low to his right.

Marshall made a further good stop to keep out Mahon's 25-yard drive in the closing moments of the first half.

Millwall, though, almost snatched a shock lead on the break, but Asaba screwed his shot wide.

It was a lively start to the second half by Watford, with Young's cross, following a surging run, deflected into the side-netting and Marshall keeping out a 12-yard header from Henderson.

Once again, Adrian Boothroyd's team were on top for long spells - but still they could not pick out a decisive pass when pressing in the final third.

Just after the hour mark, Millwall, now growing in confidence, were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out and in a central position when Jordan Stewart tripped Alan Dunne - but David Livermore struck his effort well over.

However, after 66 minutes, the Lions were ahead.

Colin Cameron, on-loan from Wolves, beat the offside trap and got clear down the right.

His centre found Asaba, who this time made no mistake from 12 yards.

Watford immediately looked to get back into the game, forcing a succession of corners.

With 15 minutes left, Alhassan Bangura was sent on to try to rescue something for the home side.

Marshall had to be alert to tip away Young's curling cross, which looked to be creeping in at the far post.

The hosts continued to press, with Young sending an injury-time effort over the bar from close range.

Millwall, though, had shown great resilience and sealed a crucial win in their battle to stay up when May netted a second goal for the visitors on the counter-attack during stoppage time.

Teams:

Watford Foster, Doyley, Mackay (McNamee 86), DeMerit,Stewart (Bangura 75), Eagles, Mahon, Spring, Young, King,Henderson.

Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Chambers, Carlisle.

Booked: Henderson.

Millwall Marshall, Lawrence, Elliott, Paul Robinson, Vincent,Dunne, Livermore, Whitbread, Cameron, Asaba (May 84),Hayles (Williams 72).

Subs Not Used: Doyle, Braniff, Ifil.

Booked: Paul Robinson, Whitbread, Hayles, Livermore.

Goals: Asaba 66, May 90.

Att: 16,654

Ref: A D'Urso (Essex).