Watford close gap on

          

  The visitors slowly grew into the game with Cristian Battocchio lashing over the crossbar before Czech Republic international Vydra was halted by a fine Abdoulaye Faye block.However, the hosts could, and probably should, have been level prior to half-time when an unmarked George Boyd fired straight at Bond's feet from eight yards out.Tigers boss Steve Bruce then turned to big-money signing Nick Proschwitz in an attacking substitution as injured centre-back Hobbs made way.At the other end, Robbie Brady cut inside before drilling over and Jack Hobbs' header produced a comfortable save from Bond.The KC Stadium faithful were soon on their feet after the break when they thought Bond had turned Jay Simpson's rifled effort in, yet the ball dropped just the wrong side of the post.Yet it was Watford whose slick passing was proving more effective and they were good value for the lead Deeney gave them four minutes before the interval.As the home side pushed forward, though, Vydra uncharacteristically shanked over before Stockdale stayed tall to block Deeney at his near post with Watford serving notice of their counter-attacking threat.Almen Abdi and Vydra were both involved in the build-up and Deeney produced a glorious right-footed curling finish from the edge of the area which Stockdale could not prevent flying into the top corner.