West Bromwich Albion had the free-scoring Jimmy-Jay Morgan to thank at The Hawthorns, the summer signing scoring the only goal as they defeated Watford in a tense contest to move up to fifth in the Championship table.

In a first half distinctly lacking in quality, the Baggies finally got on the board through the young striker, who claimed his third league goal of the season after good interplay between Isaac Price and Harry Whitwell had stretched the Hornets' defence.

After the break, Watford laid siege to the Albion goal but failed to capitalise on a number of good chances, with Martin Payero and Luca Kjerrumgaard both going close amidst a slew of bookings and stoppages.

With time winding down, Aune Heggebo should have added a second, but the Baggies' defence held out, leaving the home fans celebrating a third win of the season.

Looking to maintain their impressive home record, the Baggies were almost caught out from the whistle. Othmane Maamma worked his way into the Albion box, only to see his tame right-footed effort well saved by Max O'Leary.

The home side responded in kind. Chris Mepham fed Morgan in an almost identical position up the other end of the pitch, but the striker saw his effort comfortably dealt with by Federico Ravaglia.

With neither team able to stamp their authority on the game, George Campbell and Iker Bravo exchanged unsuccessful efforts before the Baggies went ahead.

Price did well to evade Watford defenders, charging into space before finding Whitwell.

The winger then played the perfect ball for Morgan who slotted home from close range to reinforce his position as one of the hottest young attackers in the league.

In a frenetic start to the second half, Maamma, Payero and Morgan all saw efforts blocked before Kjerrumgaard fired over with the goal at his mercy as the Hornets desperately searched for an equaliser.

Heggebo then had a golden opportunity to double the Baggies' lead having found himself clean through on goal, but was unable to beat the impressive Ravaglia.

With the Hornets unable to break through the determined Albion wall in the closing stages, the home side were able to celebrate securing back-to-back victories in the league against Watford for the first time since 2007.

The visitors now have two home games on the bounce to try to kick-start their season, but currently languish in 18th.

West Bromwich Albion boss James Morrison told BBC Radio WM:

"I wasn't really too happy in the game. It was a contrast to what we've previously seen [in other games], but we stuck together out there, you could see a team fighting for each other and sometimes you've got to win ugly.

"We looked good in spells. Watford caused us some problems, but we fought for that clean sheet which is pleasing. I've been asking for it for a couple of games."

On Jimmy-Jay Morgan's strong start to the season:

"JJ was itching for that goal, you could see on Wednesday he was a bit frustrated in not getting chances. It was not just his attacking play [that was good] but also his defence and closing down."

Watford boss Alessio Dionisi told BBC Three Counties Radio:

"I thought we deserved a draw, but it was difficult for us to find the score and without that it's impossible to win.

"It's not easy at this moment – because of our situation with new players arriving a few days ago.

"We had a lot of chances but no scores. Playing against West Brom away is not easy and it's important to find positives in the situation."