Swindon moved further away from the First Division relegation zone while Watford's hopes of a play-off place took a knock in front of the live Sky cameras.

Swindon ended a dire first half, almost devoid of noteworthy incident, with the only goal of the game.

Bobby Howe collected a headed clearance from Richard Johnson following a Swindon corner and fired in his first goal for the club from 25 yards into Alec Chamberlain's far corner.

Watford seldom troubled Frank Talia in the first half, but manager Graham Taylor made two half-time substitutions which enabled his side to carry the game to Swindon.

But Watford were unable to find the equaliser. The nearest they came was when Nick Wright was afforded the only clear cut chance of the night, but despite two attempts to put it in the net after Talia was stranded he allowed Brian Borrows to clear off the line.

Wright was unlucky later when he turned on a deflected pass from Tony Daley and fired pass the keeper but the ball struck the inside edge of the post and bounced out.

Watford continued to press but Swindon defended with determination and were good value for their victory.

Teams

Watford: Chamberlain, Bazeley, Kennedy (Daley 45), Page, Palmer, Robinson, Wright, Smith (Hazan 45), Smart, Johnson,Easton (Mooney 69).

Swindon: Talia, Robinson (Kerslake 45), Reeves, Leitch, Taylor, Borrows, Howe (Collins 89), Ndah, Onuora, Hay, Gooden.

Subs Not Used: Walters.

Booked: Gooden.

Goals: Howe 45.

Att: 8,692

Ref: K Lynch (Kirk Hammerton, Nr Y).