Coventry's hopes of victory suffered when midfielder Yousef Chippo - making his comeback from broken ribs - was dismissed.

But Ray Lewington's team - fresh from their FA Cup victory over West Brom - deserved their win.

It was Watford who started the brighter, with Coventry goalkeeper Morten Hyldgaard making early saves to deny Jamie Hand and Heidar Helguson.

And as the Hornets continued to pressure their hosts Helguson narrowly blazed over with a left-foot volley.

But with 25 minutes gone Coventry at last mustered a threat of their own.

Richie Partridge's effort was blocked by Hand and when the resulting corner came out to Barry Quinn, his drive from 25 yards forced Alec Chamberlain into action.

Jay Bothroyd shot wide after 28 minutes before the hosts wasted a great chance to take the lead.

Partridge's shot was only parried by Chamberlain and Gary McSheffrey put the rebound over the crossbar when he could easily have found the net.

But far worse was to come for the Sky Blues, with Chippo needlessly dismissed for a second yellow after 58 minutes for obstructing a throw-in.

The effect on the match was immediate, with Watford briefly running riot against a Coventry team in disarray.

Helguson's close-range header forced Hyldgaard into action just a minute after Chippo's dismissal.

And 60 seconds later Hand's shot was parried towards Hyde, who made no mistake from just inside the area.

Coventry almost salvaged a point but Muhamed Konjic's header from six yards came back off the woodwork with Chamberlain beaten.

Coventry: Hyldgaard, Quinn, Konjic, Shaw, Gordon, Chippo, Pead, McAllister, Partridge, Bothroyd, McSheffrey. Subs: Debec, Holdsworth, Sara, Davenport, Osbourne.

Watford: Chamberlain, Ardley, Cox, Gayle, Robinson, Vernazza, Hyde, Hand, Nielsen, Tommy Smith, Helguson. Subs: Brown, Mahon, Noel-Williams, Pennant, Lee.

Referee: T Parkes (Birmingham).