Watford sink lowly QPR to boost play-off bid

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Jake Livermore struck twice in five minutes as Watford boosted their bid for a Championship play-off place with a 2-1 win at lowly QPR on Sunday.

Former Tottenham midfielder Livermore opened the scoring on the hour when he took Matheus Martins’ pass and curled home from 25 yards.

Five minutes later, the 34-year-old repeated the trick, this time drilling low past Asmir Begovic from 20 yards.

Lyndon Dykes tapped in Paul Smyth’s cross at the far post with 13 minutes remaining.

But second bottom QPR could not find an equaliser and they remain deep in relegation trouble, five points from safety after their 16th defeat in 27 league games.

Watford sit in eighth place, just one point outside the play-offs as they chase a return to the Premier League.