The win was the Hornets' first in six league games and has helped them move up to 19th place, pulling them out of the relegation zone.

Watford conceded to Preston early on in the game but Boothroyd was pleased with his players' reaction after falling behind.

"At Bramall Lane and Turf Moor, the starts were poor," said Boothroyd. "Today there was a bounce back factor after we didn't get to grips with the weather and the swirling wind out there.

"The result is the most important thing. We are down in a position where we don't want to be, and the injuries are well documented, but I was pleased with today because we just got on with it."

After some less than convincing displays in recent weeks, Boothroyd reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation, bringing in Tamas Priskin in place of the injured John Eustace.

The returning Jay Demerit took the place of Leigh Bromby who dropped to the bench.

It took only five minutes for Preston to take the lead though - Adrian Mariappa misjudging a corner leaving Sean St Ledger free to slot past Richard Lee in the Watford goal.

Although shaky in defence, the Hornets looked dangerous in attack and it didn't take long for them to find an equaliser.

A John Joe O'Toole header was well saved by Preston keeper Andy Lonergan before Jon Harley pulled the scores level on 12 minutes.

A good through ball by Tommy Smith put Tamas Priskin on the chase, and he lofted the ball over the defender into the path of Harley who drilled home for Watford.

The front pairing of Hoskins and Priskin looked to be enjoying themselves and nine minutes after drawing level the former helped the Hornets take the lead.

An overhead through-ball from Hoskins fell to Tommy Smith who out-muscled the defender before converting on the second attempt past Lonergan.

The goal was Smith's 50th for Watford, and turned out to be a winner on the day. For all the team's creativity and inventiveness, it was a richly deserved lead, but the second half would prove to be more of a struggle.

An O'Toole strike sailed over the bar quickly after the restart but the Hornets looked intent on defending their lead and allowed Preston to take control.

Efforts from Billy Jones and Stephen Elliot were the best the visitors could muster though and despite all their attacking play, Preston could not create a clear cut opportunity.

It was an extremely tense last half hour but Boothroyd's men hung on for the win.

"I was also delighted with Will Hoskins and Tamas Priskin's contribution.," added Boothroyd. "Will is a very clever player and he's creating for other people."

The manager's reaction to the game was one of relief but realisation that the team need to continue improving.

"I think we're thrilled with what we've got today, but it's only one game," he admitted. "I am pleased for the fans to see another win, but now it's important we go away and work on things."

Amidst controversies surrounding lifelong Watford fan Elton John and Chairman Graham Simpson, the club were hit with the news last week that Damien Francis has retired from the game following medical advice.

The midfielder never recovered from a knee injury sustained in a 1-1 draw with Manchester City in April 2007 and despite appearing and scoring for the Hornets this term, he has been unable to reach full fitness.

In departure Francis thanked the medical staff and everyone else at Watford for their support, as well as his previous clubs.

The team now face a two week international break before travelling to Southampton on October 18th and then facing Cardiff City at Vicarage Road the following Tuesday.

Boothroyd has indicated that Grezgorz Rasiak should be fit to face Cardiff following a dislocated shoulder injury.

During the break Al Bangura will make his long-awaited debut for Sierra Leone against Nigeria on Saturday and Jay Demerit and John Joe O'Toole will figure for their respective nations, the USA and the Republic of Ireland Under 21s.