Cardiff boost top-six hopes with fine victory

The hosts had endured a poor run of form in recent weeks, losing four of their past six games, but this win moves the sixth-placed Bluebirds five points clear of Sheffield United, who visit the Welsh capital on Wednesday, with a game in hand.

An excellent strike from McCormack, meeting a Whittingham corner, had given Cardiff an early lead.

From that point the relegation-threatened Hornets were the better side but they were punished for a failure to take their chances when Whittingham headed in his 21st goal of the season after 63 minutes.

Burke added a third after a fine run in the 78th minute before Heidar Helguson got a late consolation for Watford.

In yesterday's other game, Leicester City were denied a victory when Coventry came back from going 2-0 down to earn a point with two late goals.