Ade Akinbiyi proved the thorn in Watford's side as the former Leicester striker bagged a brace to ensure the cloud of relegation still hovers over Ray Lewington's Hornets.

The visitors went into the clash just five points above the relegation zone and needed a victory to reduce fears of the drop.

With survival on their minds Watford started the brighter of the two sides, buoyed by their recent impressive run which has seen them go four matches unbeaten.

Indeed, Stoke's first meaningful attack did not materialise until 10 minutes into the first half when Peter Hoekstra whipped in a cross to Sebastian Svard but his header was comfortably held by Lenny Pidgeley.

However, with the ball in their possession Stoke looked increasingly dangerous and with 17 minutes on the clock they broke the deadlock.

Hoekstra dazzled down the left before laying the ball on to Gifton Noel-Williams and his lay-off fed Akinbiyi to slot home from close range.

Tony Pulis' side doubled their advantage soon after. Again Hoekstra was instrumental, centring the ball from the left for Noel-Williams to nod past Pidgeley and scored against his old club.

Watford were struggling to find any fluency to their game but a swift counter-attack with 10 minutes of the half remaining brought them back into contention.

Neal Ardley broke down the right and crossed to Heidar Helguson who rose unopposed at the far post to reduce the deficit.

But their joy was short-lived as Akinbiyi re-established Stoke's two-goal cushion on the stroke of half-time.

A long punt up field was misjudged by the Hornets defence, who allowed the ball to bounce over them, and Akinbiyi surged into the area to drill the ball into the back of the net.

Stoke went into the game having taken 27 points from their last 12 league games, and looked like extending that to 30 as they started the second period in spirited fashion.

Monopolising possession of the ball, the home side negated Watford's attacking threat with much of the play taking place in the middle of the pitch.

The Hornets pushed men forward in search of a goal that could spark a fightback but Potters goalkeeper Ed de Goey never looked troubled as Watford were reduced to long-range pot-shots.

With time running out Stoke pulled men back behind the ball to protect their advantage and the tactic worked as they held on for a deserved victory.

Teams

Stoke de Goey (Cutler 82), Halls, Thomas, Taggart, Marcus Hall, Svard, Clarke, Russell, Hoekstra (Henry 89), Noel-Williams, Akinbiyi (Asaba 72).

Subs Not Used: Hill, Commons.

Booked: Russell.

Goals: Akinbiyi 18, Noel-Williams 20, Akinbiyi 43.

Watford Pidgeley, Cox (Vernazza 61), Ifil, Dyche, Smith (Doyley 73), Ardley, Hyde, Mahon, Helguson, Devlin, Cook (Fitzgerald 67).

Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Dyer.

Goals: Helguson 36.

Att: 13,108

Ref: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).