Heidar Helguson marked his return to the Watford starting line-up with an early goal to put the hosts on course for a 2-0 victory over Preston.

Helguson was making his first start since returning to Vicarage Road on loan from QPR almost two months ago, having made a substitute appearance in last weekend's 5-0 defeat at West Brom following a calf problem.

The inconsistent Hornets came flying out of the blocks and broke the deadlock in the ninth minute when the Iceland international headed home.

On-loan Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley doubled the hosts' advantage just after the hour mark before England Under-21 goalkeeper Scott Loach showed a safe pair of hands to ensure the Hornets held on to take the points.

The hosts should of been three up after the hour mark but Helguson failed to hit the target with a close-range header after latching onto a Henri Lansbury cross.