Defender Wes Hoedt said that the win at Swansea was reward for players, fans and staff sticking together during a difficult start to the season.

The Dutchman played a key part in the clean sheet that was the basis for the victory in Wales.

“I think it's been a tough few months for supporters and the team as well, so the only thing you can do, like the gaffer says, is to stick together, and I think that’s what we’ve done,” he said.

“We’ve shown that we can be capable of winning games. I think we have to improve a little bit on the killer instinct in front of goal for the whole squad so we can decide games earlier. We had a really big chance in the first half, and if you put that away, it’s always easier in away games.

“But I think it’s a nice thing for the fans who travelled. We all thank them because it’s really nice to have them in away games as well.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve won an away game. I think it’s also a long time since we’ve won two on the bounce, so that’s great. This one was for the fans: as a team we needed it and I think they needed it as well.”

Hoedt reflected on the run of three consecutive defeats just a few weeks ago that sent Watford plummeting down the table.

“We had bad matches in the three games we lost in a row, and we started playing against Cardiff City away and we spoke to each other that something needed to change,” he said.

“I think we have a really great group with a lot of quality players, but the results were not there, and I think this is just the turnaround and now it’s up to us to keep going.”

The defender paid tribute to some of his teammates involved in the win at Swansea.

“It was a great shot from Ken Sema, and I think like the Head Coach has been telling us as well, it is very nice that everyone is back, and we have the full quality available,” he said.

“I think that it’s also great for the squad as there is more pressure on performing, everyone needs to be on their toes. I think Ken has shown that we missed him and credit to him that he gets something like that.

“Francisco Sierralta stepped up and has done very well as he’s been playing as a midfielder, and now back in his original position which I think went great. We also defended really well as a whole team.

“Daniel Bachmann was really great, and the full-backs were on point. You always have Jake Livermore in front too, so I think everyone did their job, and you see we are starting to become a real tough team to play against.

“We conceded some chances but, in the end, with consistency and perseverance you get another clean sheet and now it's two wins in a row.”