An exhausted Rob Edwards was a happy and relieved man after the Town ended a run of three games without a win in emphatic style with a memorable derby day win over Watford.

Goals from Jordan Clark, Carlton Morris and Jacob Brown sealed victory inside a raucous Kenilworth Road.

And after enduring a disappointing spell that had seen the Hatters drop to 21st place in the Championship, the manager was pleased his side rose to the occasion against the Hornets.

“I’m really pleased because I know how much it means,” the boss said in his post-match press conference.

“It’s been a big two weeks because we knew we had to respond to the disappointment after the last game.

“The lads have done that every day and got the job done, because that is when it matters.

“It looked like it mattered to them, that they cared and understood the magnitude of game and I’m really proud of them.

“I thought everyone was a 7 or 8 of 10 and the intensity was amazing. We had 23 high regains – a record for us. We had purpose with and without the ball and there was a fire about us.

“Overall the club was united today and the spirit of the fans was amazing. It’s been difficult for everyone, including the players, and we knew we had to give them something to shout about and the players responded.

“We needed to be united. But just because we won, and had a good performance, it’s a long season and we need to stick together.”

The only negative on an otherwise glorious afternoon were the injuries to four players in a 20-minute spell after half-time that saw Tom Holmes, Tom Krauß, Tahith Chong and Reece Burke.

The quartet are now doubts for Sunderland next week.

“I’m pretty drained now,” added Edwards. “I need to try and pick a team for Wednesday.

“I enjoyed it for about five minutes on the couch as attention turns to Sunderland.”