A Christmas miracle? Probably not. But despite playing the entire second half with ten men against Reading, and their defence coming under a torrent of pressure, Watford clinched a 1-0 victory against the Royals.

Almen Abdi was the match winner. The Swiss midfielder thumped home from the edge of the area midway through the second period to seal what seemed an unlikely three points after Gabriele Angella had been dismissed just before the interval.

In the last two matches Watford have shown the resilience they will need to challenge for promotion.

There were two changes to the Hornets side which had battled their way past Wigan Athletic a week ago.

The injured Gianni Munari (hamstring) was replaced in midfield by Adlene Guedioura whilst Daniel Pudil started at wing back in place of Juan Carlos Paredes.

The Reading fans were roused before kick off by the introduction of their new manager Steve Clarke. And the hosts almost made the perfect start under their new boss.

A Royals attack down the left flank resulted in Nick Blackman crossing and the ball was met by Glenn Murray at the back post, however, the striker could only volley over.

It was an early let off for the Hornets who began to dictate possession in the early stages.

Daniel Pudil came close for Slavisa Jokanovic’s side with a diving header that was saved by Adam Federici and the resultant corner saw Guedioura’s close range effort blocked.

Troy Deeney and Matej Vydra struggled to make an impact in the opening period but the former did tee up Abdi 25 yards out and his powerful half volley was pushed wide by Frederici.

Reading allowed Watford possession in their defensive third and crowded the midfield during the opening 45 minutes. 

The Hornets couldn’t pass their way through and it resulted in several long hopeful passes forward which were dealt with by the hosts defence.

The Royals improved as an attacking force throughout the half and began to threaten. Chris Gunter delivered a cross to the back post which Blackman headed over whilst Abdi almost turned a low delivery from Garath McCleary into his own net.

Sporadic opportunities to break the deadlock came Watford’s way. Guedioura fired over from distance before Deeney acrobatically volleyed wide after Abdi’s cross.

It had been a frustrating half for the Hornets and that frustration increased on the stroke of half time.

A Reading counter attack was led by McCleary and he looked to move past Angella. The Italian appeared to trip, fell and the ball struck his arm.

The assistant referee immediately flagged for handball and Angella, who had been booked earlier in the half, received a second yellow card from referee Gavin Ward and was dismissed.

Watford’s fans vented their anger at the decision as the teams went in for the half time break. Jokanovic decided to make a change. Vydra was sacrificed in favour of Paredes.

Despite their man disadvantage the Hornets, roared on my 2,749 travelling Watford fans, started the second period brightly.

However, a defensive error almost proved costly. An aimless pass forward looked to be under Craig Cathcart’s control but he waited to clear and Murray nipped in.

The striker advanced on goal but directed his shot from eight yards wide. It was a let off.

The chance allowed Reading to gain momentum and McCleary forced Heurelho Gomes into a low save before Gunter’s rebound was deflected wide.

Watford were under pressure but managed to defend their goal. When the backline was breached, Reading spurned their chances. Blackman was most guilty.

The winger somehow managed to turn the ball wide from three yards after McClearly’s run and cross. It proved a costly miss for the home side as, from Watford’s first shot on target in the second period, they went in front.

Ikechi Anya was the architect of the goal. He advanced down the left flank and cut his pass back to the edge of the area. Abdi arrived and fired his low half volley past Federici.

The travelling fans were literally bouncing but they had to endure a final 20 minutes in which Watford barely escaped their half.

But for all their pressure and possession, Reading struggled to create a meaningful chance. An overhead kick from Blackman which comfortably cleared the crossbar their best effort.

Four minutes were added at the end of the second period. The Royals launched attack after attack but the Hornets repelled their hosts.

When the full time whistle was blown, the Watford fans erupted with noise. The Hornets had held on and, in the process, given their supporters an early Christmas gift. It is certainly one their will savour.

Reading: Federici; Gunter, Obita, Hector, Pearce, Norwood, Williams (Cooper 90), McCleary, Blackman, Cox, Murray.

Reading substitutes: Andersen, Cummings, Kelly, Taylor, Stacey, Tanner.

Watford: Gomes; Angella, Bassong, Cathcart; Anya (Dyer 77), Tozser, Guedioura, Abdi, Pudil; Deeney (Ighalo 83), Vydra (Paredes HT).

Watford: substitutes: Bond, Doyley, Murray, Forestieri.

Attendance: 18,522 (2,749)