Step 1: Infiltrate your opponents by selling them your top players.
Step 2: Said players get sent off in the first 35 minutes of the their match with you.
Step 3: Bang away at their 9-man squad.
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Granted, Danny Graham had already put Watford ahead with a header from two yards out in the 10th minute, but the Blades' fate was sealed when they went two men down thanks to red cards on Wednesday's two ex-Hornets.
Darius Henderson, in his first start of the season, had already picked up a yellow when a nasty shot on Lee Hodson in the 27th minute earned him a trip up the tunnel. Sadly, Hodson's day was finished as well as he was stretchered off with a brace on his right leg and an oxygen mask (early reports said no break).
Eight minutes later, Lee Williamson joined Hendo after a challenge against Lloyd Doyley. To their (and Malky's) credit, the Hornets avoided retaliation and proceeded to batter the Blades in a disciplined fashion.
In the 58th minute, Adam Thompson failed to head in Don Cowie's effort from the corner, but Martin Taylor knocked in the rebound to go up 2-0.
And it was Ross Jenkins heading in a John Eustace cross with about 5 minutes left that gave Watford another notch in goal difference. All in all, a well-played match from the 'Orns.
Watford is still seven points (& two goals) out of playoff range, but have a game in hand against Nottingham Forest & Leeds United and will face Leeds & Norwich City once more before all is said & done.
Before that though, the next match is Tuesday with Ipswich Town at Portman Road. God help me, I always screw this up at Daylight Saving Time, but I think kickoff is 2:45 St. Louis time.
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