Watford Ladies secured a priceless 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest to boost their hopes of survival in the Women’s National Premier League.

First half goals from Megan Wynne and Sarah Wiltshire were enough for the Golden Girls who moved level on points with Forest at the bottom of the table.

However, the Reds do have two games in hand.

Hornets’ boss John Salomon said he was delighted with the first half performance after Watford controlled the opening period.

The Golden Girls took the lead as a good pass out wide found Jo Wilson who whipped a cross into the box. Wynne did well to shrug off her marker and put her header past the Forest keeper.

Watford kept up the pressure with a Wiltshire free kick but Lauren Davey in the Hornets’ goal had to be alert to keep out a Suzanne Davies’s long range effort.

Watford continued to attack and went looking for the second goal that would give Salomon’s side breathing space.

They had a golden chance to extend their lead as Wiltshire broke into the box only to be dragged down for a penalty.

The striker stepped up to take the spot kick only for Claire Wallhead to save her initial effort but Wiltshire wasn’t to be denied and she converted the rebound.

Wiltshire could have made Salomon’s team talk much easier at half time had she converted a chance late in the half.

In the second period Wynne turned provider in the opening stages as she played Wilson through on goal but the keeper smother her effort.

Forest missed a couple of chances late on but Watford held on to collect a vital three points.

Salomon said he is pleased with the Golden Girls recent form that has given them a chance to stay in the division.

“We have now taken 10 points from our last five games and kept two clean sheets. We continue to learn lessons and it is credit to the players that they continue to achieve the targets we set them.

“There is a confidence within the team that we can win our last two games and stay up.

"It is frustrating that we now have a long wait before our next league game but we will look to continue our form in the League and FA Cup and be ready to face Reading in our next league match.”