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Oscar Garcia began life as Watford boss with a defeat as Charlton's unbeaten start in the Championship continued.

Yoni Buyens scored the only goal three minutes in, netting from the spot after Heurelho Gomes fouled Igor Vetokele.

Troy Deeney had chances to level before the break and wanted a penalty after a challenge from Tal Ben Haim.

Watford continued to see more of the ball but the Addicks are still to lose in the league since Bob Peeters took over in the summer.

The Belgian has yet to oversee a Championship defeat since replacing Jose Riga at The Valley, and while this result ended a run of three games without a win in all competitions, the Addicks are now up to fifth and level on points with their fourth-placed opponents.

The Hornets had won four out of their five league games under previous manager Beppe Sannino this season, but the Italian's decision to quit before the international break was based more on a strained relationship with his players than results.

It meant former Brighton boss Garcia was handed the reins of a club lying second in the table, and while his team dominated possession and made chances, they were unable to break down a resolute home side.

Buyens' successful spot-kick came after Vetokele was brought down trying to round keeper Gomes, and afterwards Deeney curled a shot off a post and had an effort saved.

Vetokele could have made it more comfortable had he headed in a superb chance after the break, but Daniel Tozser and Lloyd Dyer were both denied by Stephen Henderson as the Hornets failed to find an equaliser.

Earlier, the home fans had marked the 10th minute with a round of applause for their former striker David Whyte, who died this week aged 43 after a career which included scoring 35 goals in 106 games for the Addicks between 1992 and 1997.

Charlton manager Bob Peeters: "We are tying to build something at this club. We have won three home games now and our opponent knows they have to dig in hard when coming here.

"But out unbeaten start doesn't mean anything. The most important thing is we have 12 points from six games and have won three home games in a row.

"My players can enjoy this now and then it's back to business on Monday."

Watford manager Oscar Garcia: "On another day we would be comfortable winners.

"There were two clear penalties. The referee has only given one but I have spoken with Troy, who said it was clear.

"A lot of people told me this was our best performance which makes me proud.

"With the players we have in front of goal I am not worried by this. We will win more matches than we lose if we continue playing like this."