Head Coach Slaven Bilić urged his Watford charges to build on their first Sky Bet Championship victory since mid-January, after Ken Sema’s brace inspired the Hornets to a crucial 3-2 triumph over fellow play-off hopefuls West Bromwich Albion at Vicarage Road.

Sema’s close-range strike was all that separated the teams ahead of a dramatic second 45 minutes, during which Conor Townsend, Ismaïla Sarr and Jed Wallace traded blows before Sema fired in what proved to be the winner 12 minutes from time.

After four draws and a defeat in their previous five outings Bilić was delighted to see Watford claim what he believes was a deserved three points, while acknowledging there is still room for his players to improve in the weeks ahead.

“It’s a very good win, and a deserved win,” said the former Croatia boss. “We’ve had a few games like this, so it’s nice for it to have ended in our favour, and I think large parts of our play were very good.

“We started very well, and we managed to get out of their press and find lots of space. The only thing that wasn’t good was that we were only 1-0 up at half-time - it should have been two or three.

“They changed things with an extra midfielder so we had to adjust, and we conceded two sloppy goals that we should have done better with. But we showed good determination, we didn’t stop and we got what we should have got.

“We’ve got 13 games to go now and it’s down to us to keep this up now, with the same levels of character and determination. Today was the first time we’ve been able to see the likes of João Pedro, Ken [Sema] and [Keinan] Davis at better levels of fitness, and with more people to come back that will only improve so I see some positive days ahead.”

Sweden international Sema marked his third appearance since Boxing Day with his first goals since October, and Bilić showered him with praise for a performance that demonstrated his abundance of qualities.

He said: “Ken is a great player, a top professional and a great guy to have around. He is a dream for any manager because he can play almost anywhere on the pitch, and effectively as well. He was brilliant today and I’m really pleased for him.

“There were good performances all over. Mario [Gaspar] and James [Morris] were brilliant at full-back - Mario has shown he can defend against any kind of winger, and I was delighted for James. I wanted him to start well to give him confidence, and he gave himself a great platform. He was active and very involved, which was great to see.”

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sheffield United (February 25, 3pm KO) Bilić provided an update on the fitness of defender Hassane Kamara - who made way for Morris in the starting XI against West Brom - while explaining how it felt for him to come up against his former side in his 200th game in management in England.

He added: “Hassane is out with a hamstring problem. He had a slight issue against Burnley, and I think Sheffield United will be difficult but the Preston game should be likely.

“I didn’t like playing my old club, because it mattered so much to us and them. It was special to see everyone again and I wish them well, but not too well! They have a good coach and a good squad, so I’m sure West Brom still have a big part to play this season.”