Southampton were beaten in their first Championship match since the Spygate scandal, as Watford got off to a winning start under new boss Alessio Dionisi.

The hosts struck twice in the opening half an hour at Vicarage Road, as Iker Bravo profited from Jack Stephens' misplaced pass to open the scoring, before Amin Nabizada added a second with a fine solo effort.

Cyle Larin pulled a goal back just before the hour mark, and that gave the Saints momentum for the rest of the match.

But Watford stood strong - although Taylor Harwood-Bellis missed a fine opportunity to equalise.

Hornets supporters unsure what to expect from their club's 24th different head coach since the Pozzo family took over in 2012 will be heartened by this display.

It came despite creative talisman Imran Louza being left out of the squad amid speculation over the Moroccan's future.

After an emotional pre-match tribute to legendary former player and manager Kenny Jackett, who died in June, the home team started strongest.

Debutant Bravo's positioning gave him the perfect opportunity to capitalise on Stephens' botched clearance, with the Spain Under-21 international making no mistake after bearing down on goal.

Afghanistan international Nabizada then scored in what proved to be the game's decisive moment, striking past keeper Daniel Peretz after a driving run down the right flank.

Larin's instinctive finish helped Saints back into the game, but Dionisi's side held firm through a nervy conclusion.