Tamas Priskin came off the bench to score a clinical brace as Watford earned a much-needed Championship win against out-of-form Burnley.

Jobi McAnuff's first-minute strike had put the Hornets in control and despite piling on the pressure in the second period, Burnley were made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal.

Priskin struck within a minute of his 76th-minute introduction before wrapping things up deep into injury-time to edge Watford further clear of the drop zone.

A fifth straight league defeat for the Clarets however deals a serious blow to their promotion hopes.

Saturday's 4-3 FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace provided a timely distraction for the Hornets who were looking for their first league win in six.

Mike Williamson and Tommy Smith came in for Saturday goalscorer Jay DeMerit and Jon Harley, who both dropped to the bench.

Despite their recent exploits in both cup competitions, Burnley's league form leaves something to desired.

Joey Gudjonsson, who played the final half-hour of the late cup draw at West Brom, was recalled to the first team in place of Michael Duff.

But things got off to the worst possible start for the visitors when McAnuff struck inside the opening minute.

Will Hoskins received the ball wide on the right before delivering a searching ball across the six-yard box, where the midfielder was waiting to fire home.

McAnuff failed to get the intended connection but was still allowed to bundle his effort over the line at the second attempt.

And the dangerous McAnuff was at it again just moments later, this time testing goalkeeper Brian Jensen with a left-foot drive from the edge of the box.

Burnley began to fight their way back into the match as the half drew on and Robbie Blake shot just inches over from a trademark long-range free-kick.

Martin Paterson too went close with a left-foot effort from 25 yards but Scott Loach was able to parry to safety.

The second half opened in scrappy fashion with neither team able to establish an early foothold.

Paterson created the first opportunity for Burnley with his floated ball into the box which was met by the head of Blake but miraculously tipped around the post by Loach.

Burnley have earned a reputation for fighting to the death of late and they certainly showed the belief that they could pull their way back into the match.

Paterson was inches away from an equaliser in the 63rd minute when he latched onto Chris Eagles' drilled cross but fired wide from six yards.

Watford appeared far more concerned with defending their one-goal advantage than making any meaningful attempts to increase it, and Jensen was little more than a spectator for the majority of the second period.

But when Brendan Rodgers introduced Priskin 15 minutes from time, the Slovakian-born striker wasted little time in making an impact.

Fellow substitute Harley fizzed in a cross from the left channel which Priskin met with his first touch of the game to lash low past Loach and into the bottom-left corner.

And with the match already won, Priskin showed the hunger to win the ball in the 94th minute before neatly side-footing past Jensen to complete a satisfying evening at Vicarage Road.

Teams

Watford Loach, Hoyte (Lee Williamson 71), Mariappa,Mike Williamson, Doyley, Cork, McAnuff, Smith, Jenkins,Rasiak (Harley 60), Hoskins (Priskin 76).

Subs Not Used: Lee, DeMerit.

Booked: Hoyte.

Goals: McAnuff 2, Priskin 78, 90.

Burnley Jensen, Alexander, Carlisle, Caldwell, Kalvenes,Gudjonsson (McDonald 79), Elliott, McCann, Eagles,Paterson (Rodriguez 79), Blake (Thompson 61).

Subs Not Used: Penny, Mahon.

Booked: Kalvenes.

Att: 13,193

Ref: James Linington (Isle of Wight).