The 28-year-old, who was named as the club's player of the year last season, showed why he is so adored by the Watford faithful when he smashed the ball home after a clearance from Mart Poom.

Smith, who was playing in a second-striker role behind Tamas Priskin, surged into the Addicks' penalty area to latch onto a Tamas Priskin knock-down, making no mistake with a fearsome shot which flew past Nick Weaver in the Charlton goal.

Aidy Boothroyd named an unchanged starting 11 for Saturday's game at Vicarage Road, the only variation to the squad being the introduction of new signing Grzegorz Rasiak on the Watford bench.

Boothroyd's side were dealt a trump card shortly before half time as Charlton were reduced to 10 men when Kelly Youga saw red for a foul on the tricky Tamas Priskin.

The second half saw the home side take control of the game, and although it was hardly one-way traffic, Charlton rarely came close to troubling the big Estonian in the Watford goal.

With 25 of the 90 minutes still to play new signing Rasiak was introduced to the game, with the Watford fans welcoming the ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers striker with a standing ovation.

And the big Pole didn't take long to make an impression, coming close with a volley with his very first touch of the game. The 29-year-old was a constant handful for the Addicks' defence and minutes after coming on saw his protests for a penalty waved away by referee Iain Williamson.

But it was Jobi McAnuff and Damien Francis who came closest for Watford as the end approached - ex Manchester City stopper Weaver having to pull of an incredible double save to keep his side in the game.

At the final whistle Vicarage Road rose to its feet in appreciation of their side's performance, which leaves them with four points after two games, and sat in ninth place in the table.

It was a result which pleased the boss, but Boothroyd knows the margin should have been greater.

"I thought we created a lot of chances in the second half but just weren't clinical enough. I think there should have been a penalty but it wasn't given. Overall I believe that we were the better side today.

"I think it was a daunting game beforehand because we've got a good point at Palace and I believe Charlton will be there or thereabouts at the end."

The gaffer also revealed his delight in making Rasiak the latest addition to his squad-the 6ft3in striker having joined on a year's loan from Southampton with a view to a permanent deal.

"I think the fans will be able to see that we've got a recognised goalscorer in Grzegorz Rasiak," Boothroyd added. "As soon as the ball is put in the box he has that uncanny knack of getting on the end of it.

"It's a long season and all our strikers are going to be needed but I was very pleased with Grzegorz's start."

Watford travel to Nottingham Forest in their next league game this Saturday.

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