Watford adapted to life without Marvin Sordell with relative ease as both of their strikers scored in a 2-0 win over Millwall.

Sordell looks almost certain to leave the Hornets this evening after a bid for the England Under-21 striker was accepted.

But Watford did not seem to miss their top scorer as Troy Deeney and Joe Garner scored in either half to ensure a valuable three points against fellow strugglers Millwall.

The Lions could have set up a tense finish but former Hornet Darius Henderson missed from the penalty spot in injury time.

The Hornets started the match without Sordell as he was pulled out of the contest at the request of Watford owner Laurence Bassini.

Adrian Mariappa did start though and he was joined in the line-up by new loan signing Alex Kacaniklic, from Fulham, and highly-rated youngster Sean Murray.

It was a lively start to the contest and Joe Garner had two glorious chances to score early on, as he headed straight at David Forde and then fired wide when put through.

Deeney chipped over and then Ryan Mason had an effort saved for MIllwall before the home side had a excellent chance to score themselves.

Former Watford striker Henderson looked set to head in from close range when Mason got in the striker’s way and the chance was squandered.

Apart from a Henderson header wide, neither team had another opportunity until Watford’s opener ten minutes before half time.

New loan signing Kacaniklic passed to Deeney on the edge of the area and his low drive from 18 yards nestled into the bottom corner.

Deeney had a couple of half chances after his goal but he was unable to add to his tally as the sides went into the break to a chorus of boos from the Millwall fans.

Millwall started the half much stronger and enjoyed plenty of pressure without really creating anything of note.

And they were made to pay when a defensive mistake allowed Lloyd Doyley to burst into the box. He unselfishly passed to Kacaniklic and his initial shot was fumbled by Forde, which allowed Garner to score with ease.

Watford were under pressure for much of the second half but on the whole dealt with the attacks well.

Henderson was the Lions’ main threat and the in-form striker could have scored when he headed on to the roof off the net despite being unmarked.

There was very little action of note and then in injury time, Loach brought John Marquis in the box as he came to collect.

Henderson stepped up but Loach saved low down to his left to ensure Watford a 2-0 victory.

Milwall: Forde; Smith, Ward, Craig, Barron; Feeney, Trotter, Abdou, Mason (Hackett 57); Henderson, Kane (Marquis 57).

Subs not used: Allsop, Lowry, Wright.

Watford: Loach; Hodson, Nosworthy, Mariappa, Doyley; Murray, Eustace, Hogg, Kacaniklic (Iwelumo 75); Deeney, Garner (Buaben 89).

Subs not used: Bond, Dickinson, Yeates.

Attendance: 9,294.

Referee: Stroud.