Unseen hero's second half header lifts Watford over Preston | OneFootball

Mamadou Doumbia decided it in the 76th minute with a close-range header, as Watford beat Preston North End 2-1 at Vicarage Road. The forward also fashioned three key passes across a busy display.

Early on he slipped Rocco Vata through for a chance that Daniel Iversen saved, signalling the Hornets' direct outlet into the box.

After the restart he attacked the six-yard area again and timed his run perfectly to glance in Iker Bravo Solanilla's cross (76.), a finish that swung the game.

Doumbia then tried from distance (79.). He finished with three attempts, three key passes and five touches in the area, underlining how his movement kept Preston's back line guessing.

Because the Hornets repeatedly found width before delivering, his near-post darts and positioning between centre-backs offered a constant target and, ultimately, the decisive moment.

The Hornets rise from 18th to 11th in the Championship, while Preston drop to 24th. The Hornets host Stoke next; Preston face Lincoln.