Championship: Charlton claim 1-0 win against local rivals Watford at The Valley

A Yoni Buyens penalty was enough for Charlton to a 1-0 victory over rivals Watford at The Valley in the Championship on Saturday.

It was tough luck on Oscar Garcia, who has just replaced Giuseppe Sannino in the Hornets hot-seat, after his side dominated.

But Charlton clung on to continue their impressive start to the new season under Bob Peeters with the spot-kick proving the difference.

That came when Jordan Cousins' pass freed Igor Vetokele who nipped it between two defenders before was hauled down by the on-rushing Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes according to referee Andy Madley.

Buyens sent Gomes the wrong way from the spot, but Watford came within inches of an immediate response just a minute later.

A mix-up between Tal Ben Haim and Chris Solly presented Troy Deeney with a chance and the striker curled his 20-yard effort against the outside of the post.

Charlton were embroiled in a relegation battle throughout the whole of last season but their early-season form under Peeters suggests there will no such trouble this time around.

Their confidence was flowing but it almost proved to be their downfall in the 25th minute.

Charlton were playing in the wrong area of the pitch and after Johnnie Jackson lost possession Deeney could only shoot straight at home goalkeeper Stephen Henderson.

Deeney was causing the home side all kinds of problems and he was unfortunate to see a penalty appeal waved away after a collision with Ben Haim.

Watford were getting closer as Ikechi Anya, fresh from scoring for Scotland against Germany, saw his long-range drive pushed out by Henderson with 37 minutes on the clock.

Vetokele's pace was proving a problem for Watford but they ended the first-half on top and began the second in similar fashion.

Deeney sent his effort wide as Watford pegged the home side back in their own half.

But Charlton, and Vetokele in particular, remained a threat on the counter-attack with the striker heading substitute Lawrie Wilson's cross over on the hour mark.

Watford were struggling to break down an organised Charlton defence and were largely restricted to efforts from distance.

The visitors had failed to bring their shooting boots and Lewis McGugan wasted another chance when he blazed over the crossbar.

Lloyd Dyer could only sidefoot wide after meeting Daniel Tozser's dangerous delivery but Charlton were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure.

Tozser finally forced Henderson into a smart save in the 80th minute.

The home goalkeeper repeated that feat when Dyer was foiled once again late on as Charlton clung on for the win.