EPL: Hernandez nets double as Watford overcome Southampton 2-1

SOUTHAMPTON (England): Watford striker Cucho Hernandez made Southampton pay for some sloppy defending with two first-half goals that helped the relegation-threatened side seal an important 2-1 victory in the Premier League on Sunday. The result at St.

Mary's Stadium helped Roy Hodgson's team snap a run of two straight defeats and secure three points that lifted them up one place to 18th, while mid-table Saints were left to rue a third defeat on the trot. Watford struck in the 14th minute when Colombian Hernandez pounced on a weak back pass by Southampton's Mohammed Salisu and found the target from a tight angle after rounding goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

An unmarked Hernandez doubled Watford's lead 20 minutes later when he steadied himself and volleyed in a cross from Juraj Kucka, after a patient spell of build-up play by the visitors. Watford had several chances to go 3-0 up but Southampton pulled one back before halftime, as Mohamed Elyounoussi tapped in Che Adams' flicked header following a free kick from skipper James Ward-Prowse.

Southampton continued to press after the break but Watford defended bravely and rode their luck late on when they conceded a foul in a dangerous area, as Ward-Prowse narrowly missed the mark from the resulting free kick.