Watford beat Southampton at St Mary’s to give themselves a huge boost in their battle against relegation.

A double from Cucho Hernandez put them 2-0 up in the first half and although Mohamed Elyounoussi made it 2-1 right on half time, Watford weathered a storm in the second half and held on for just their second win in 17 games.

With the win Roy Hodgson’s side have 22 points from 29 games, as they only below 17th place Everton on goal difference. Southampton remain on 35 points after three-straight defeats for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Mohamed Elyounoussi’s header was cleared off the line early on as Southampton started well.

Southampton almost gifted Watford an opener as Mohammed Salisu sliced his clearance straight to Joao Pedro but luckily Jan Bednarek was on hand to block his shot superbly.

Then they did gift them the opening goal, as Fraser Forster almost gave the ball away, then Salisu did inexplicably and Cucho Hernandez slotted home nicely to make it 1-0 to Watford.

Kyle Walker-Peters almost equalized after a fine run down the right but his shot was cleared at the near post, and Salisu headed over from close range.

Watford made it 2-0 before half time as a cross to the back found Hernandez and he volleyed home his second goal of the game. Watford should have been 3-0 up at half time as Juraj Kucka raced clear but Forster saved down low.

Right on half time Saints pulled a goal back as Che Adams flicked on a Ward-Prowse free kick and Elyounoussi finished at the back post to make it 2-1.

Armando Broja came on at half time to try and kick-start Saints’ comeback, as Salisu headed a free kick wide.

At the other end Kucka’s curler was pushed away by Forster, as the away side had some chances on the break.

Ward-Prowse’s free kick flew inches over the bar and Foster then denied Adams’ header, as there was a VAR check for a potential handball on Christian Kabasele but no penalty kick was given.