Bob Peeters was able to field an unchanged team again, though Johann Gudmundsson’s participation lasted less than half-an-hour.

The match was played by two good passing teams but Watford were to be in almost total control after the break.

The decisive goal came after just three minutes. Jordan Cousins played Igor Vetokele in from the left and the Angolan striker took the ball past Heurelho Gomes, only for the keeper to pull him down.

With Vetokele moving away from goal, and covering defenders on the line, Gomes escaped with a yellow card.

Yoni Buyens stepped up to send Gomes the wrong way and notch his third goal from the spot this season.

The Addicks successfully stifled the supply line to Troy Deeney for most of the afternoon but the Hornets skipper did get clear just before the half-hour mark, and with only Henderson to beat, he appeared to be brought down by a challenge from behind by Tal Ben Haim. Fortunately for Charlton, referee, Andrew Madley, waved play on.

It was all Watford after the break and the visitors forced Stephen Henderson into some good saves.

The Hornets did get the ball in the net after 76 minutes when Deeney steered in a rebound from the post, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Peeters’ team defended stoically and were close to creating further scoring opportunities of their own.

The win elevates the Addicks to fifth in the table.

Charlton: Henderson; Solly, Ben Haim, Bikey, Wiggins; Gudmundsson (Wilson 28), Buyens, Jackson (Harriott 77),Cousins; Tucudean (Moussa 55), Vetokele.

Subs (not used): Pope, Gomez, Morrison, Church.

Goal; Buyens 3 (pen).

Booked: Gudmundsson 24 (foul), Wiggins 48 (foul), Cousins 61 (dissent), Buyens 70 (foul).

Watford: Gomes; Hoban (Paredes 46), Angella, Ekstrand; Anya, Abdi, Tozser, Pudil, McGugan (Ighalo 77); Vydra (Dyer 62), Deeney.

Subs (not used): Bond, Cathcart, Fabbrini, Doyley.

Booked: Gomes 2 (foul), Abdi 41 (foul), Holban 43 (foul), Ekstrand 45 (foul).

Referee: Andrew Madley (West Yorkshire).

Attn: 17,628 (3,199 Watford).