Watford kept their play-off hopes alive with a dramatic victory which saw them take the lead four minutes from time and have two players sent off in the last 14 minutes.

Watford had to come from behind after Tranmere's David Kelly had accepted a gift opportunity following a badly directed header back by Watford full-back Paul Robinson.

Kelly went through unchallenged to draw Alec Chamberlain and slot the ball into the net.

But Watford levelled the scores just a minute after manager Graham Taylor had thrown on three substitutes. One of them, Tommy Mooney, provided the cross and Peter Kennedy hit a first time shot past Rovers keeper John Achterberg.

But an unimpressive game suddenly burst into life when Middlesbrough referee Graham Frankland issued a second yellow card to Watford's Richard Johnson after 80 minutes.

With the crowd behind them incensed by the decision and further angered by Tranmere manager John Aldridge appearing to exchange words with home supporters, Watford stormed forward.

When a Mooney header appeared to be tipped over the bar by a defender, the referee pointed to the spot. Tranmere protested and keeper Achterberg was booked for dissent before he blocked Kennedy's spot kick. Michel Ngonge, following up, swept the ball into the net.

But Watford's joy turned to anguish when in the ensuing celebration further ugly exchanges took place in the visitors' goalmouth and, after conferring with the linesman, the referee issued a red card to Watford striker Allan Smart.

Reduced to nine men Watford played out the final seven minutes to emerge with their first victory in seven games.

Teams

Watford: Chamberlain, Bazeley, Kennedy, Page, Palmer, Robinson, Smart, Hyde (Bonnot 64), Whittingham (Mooney 64), Johnson, Gudmundsson (Ngonge 64).

Sent Off: Smart (87), Johnson (80).

Booked: Ngonge.

Goals: Kennedy 67, Ngonge 87.

Tranmere: Achterberg, Allen, Thompson, McGreal, Challinor, Irons, Mahon, Santos, Kelly, Taylor (Williams 77), Hill.

Subs Not Used: L. Jones, G. Jones.

Booked: Achterberg, Thompson, Irons, Challinor.

Goals: Kelly 53.

Att: 8,682

Ref: G Frankland (Middlesbrough).