Obafemi Martins continued his good run of form with two goals to defeat a resilient Watford at St James’ Park on Saturday. After taking some time to settle into the Premiership, Oba has started to really look the part and both his finishes were out of the top drawer.

Watford’s strongarm tactics made for a pretty poor spectacle, in particular a dismal first half in which neither team created many chances. Nicky Butt should have done better when he burst into the left hand side of the box, but could only drag his shot past the far post. After impressing since his return from injury, Keiron Dyer was subdued and recent goal machine Antoine Sibierksi probably turned in his most ineffective performance so far.

The December gloom was however illuminated four minutes into the second half when Martins flashed a header into the Leazes net. Butt sprayed a pass out to Milner on the right and Oba leapt to powerfully head home the wingers cross. Despite their lowly league position, Watford are no push overs and were quickly on level terms. Ashley Young’s corner was flicked on leaving Bouzza to force it over the line and drag the Hornets back into it. It was a sloppy goal to concede although Newcastle could feel hard done by, over Bouzza’a manhandling of Given.

Only a combination of bad finishing and Given’s goalkeeping kept Watford from going ahead, Shay rather luckily trapping the ball between his legs after the troublesome Henderson got a shot away. Young and Bouazza continued to cause problems and home debutant Huntington did fairly well under the circumstances.

When Milner wastefully fired over, it looked like United would have to settle for a point but dramatically snatched it late on. Substitute Damien Duff did well on the left and his cross was fortuitously deflected into the path of Martins who smashed the winner into the top of the net. No summersaults this time but it was another excellent strike by the powerful Nigerian.

Watford however still came close to claiming a point they perhaps deserved when Babayaro toe poked a clearance agonisingly close to his own post with virtually the last kick of the game.

It was far from a classic performance by United but there were many positives to take from the game, not least Oba’s goals, but also a return to the squad for Duff and Parker. Huntington enjoyed a winning home debut and can be proud of his efforts alongside a makeshift defence, in which Taylor and Ramage both put in determined performances.

The games continue thick and fast with our second meeting in a week with champions Chelsea on Wednesday in the League Cup. United will know that they will have to put in a better performance than this.