A Troy Deeney goal has given Watford hope against Leeds United as the Hornets trial 2-1 at half time at Elland Road.

Billy Sharp put the home side in front in the sixth minute and then a stunning strike from Rodolph Austin doubled the Whites’ advantage.

Deeney netted shortly before the interval to reduce the deficit but the Golden Boys will need to improve in the second period if they are to take anything away from west Yorkshire.

There were three changes to the Watford side which defeated Rotherham United on Tuesday. Top scorer Odion Ighalo missed the game with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Matej Vydra.

Juan Carlos Paredes and Ikechi Anya came into the starting XI with Tommie Hoban and Gabriele Angella dropping to the bench.

It took just six minutes for the opening goal to arrive and it went for the home side. A hopeful pass forward saw Heurelho Gomes rush out of his goal but Anya had it covered.

The wing-back attempted to head the ball back to his goalkeeper but Gomes was out of position and had to produce a diving save to deny an own goal.

The rebound fell kindly for Sharp and he tapped into an unguarded net to put the hosts in front.

It was a goal that galvanised the Whites and their supporters. Watford were rattled. 

And, in the 18th minute, the hosts grabbed a second goal. It was again poorly defended by the Hornets.

A long pass forward wasn’t properly cleared by Anya. The ball dropped to Austin and he was given time to send a looping half volley from 20 yards over Gomes and into the net.

Watford were given time on the ball by Leeds throughout the half and they fashioned an opportunity to pull a goal back.

Deeney fed a pass to Paredes down the right flank. He took a touch and forced Marco Silvestri into a low stop.

The rebound fell to Vydra but he couldn’t manufacture a shot and the Leeds stopper grateful gathered the ball. It was a moment of encouragement for the visitors.

While Watford looked dangerous when they attacked Leeds had a constant threat on the counter.

However, six minutes before the interval, the Hornets pulled a goal back. Vydra produced a pass through to Deeney and the Watford captain showed composure to slide his finish into the corner.

The momentum then swung in the Golden Boys' favour. They had several promising openings but Ben Watson fired over and then skewed a cross behind when Watford had men in the penalty area.

It was the final opportunity of the half for the Hornets.

Leeds United: Silvestri, Wootton, Cooper, Bamba, C Taylor, Murphy, Austin, Cook, Mowatt, Byram, Sharp

Leeds United substitutes: S Taylor, Berardi, Sloth, Adryan, Walters, Antenucci, Cani

Watford: Gomes; Paredes, Ekstrand (Angella 42), Cathcart, Anya; Layun, Watson, Tozser; Abdi; Deeney, Vydra

Watford substitutes: Bond, Angella, Hoban, Pudil, Motta, Munari, Forestieri.