Watford 2 Coventry 1: O'Toole strikes as Sky Blues fail to buck Rodgers revolution
John-Joe O'Toole grabbed the winner for Watford as Brendon Rodgers' revolution gained momentum with victory over Coventry.
The 2-1 success meant successive wins for the new boss after his first victory in charge against Norwich in midweek.
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Rock on Tommy: Smith fires home Watford's first goal
After a cautious first half largely due to the atrocious conditions the goals returned to Vicarage Road midway through the second period with three goals in a five-minute spell.
Watford fans have now witnessed 41 goals in 12 Coca-Cola Championship games.
Tommy Smith gave the hosts the lead from a penalty won by O'Toole only for Coventry to hit back immediately through Clinton Morrison.
O'Toole, on his return to the side, secured the three points with a late winner.
The sodden pitch caused chaos and the home supporters were on their feet minutes after kick-off as Elliott Ward misjudged a sliding challenge and fouled Smith in the area. But referee Jon Moss rejected the convincing penalty claims.
Coventry almost took the lead midway through the first half with Morrison's close-range header but Scott Loach made a good save diving to the left.
The players struggled to stay on their feet and the passes came up short in the difficult conditions.
The biggest cheer of the first half came when a ball boy slipped over on the out field until O'Toole almost took advantage of Keiren Westwood's short clearance with a 30-yard effort but the Coventry keeper scrambled back in time to tip over the bar.
A point-blank save from Leigh Bromley finished off Westwood's half in style.
Watford maintained their edge in the game and got their rewards on 67 minute.
Again Ward was caught out at the back and this time his challenge on Tamas Priskin was deemed a penalty by the referee.
Smith stepped up and sent Westwood the wrong way but within minutes Coventry were level.
The ball was half-cleared from a corner and Jay Tabb's shot was diverted into the net by Morrison.
Watford snatched back the lead when O'Toole took advantage of a disoriented Coventry defence and hit a right-foot shot.
Watford's Ross Jenkins was stretchered off after a collision with Ben Turner but the home side maintained their composure to secure the win.
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