Emmanuel Lath scored his 16th league goal of the season, while Alex Bangura and Jones scored a goal each to help Boro beat the Hornets and end the season on a high note.
Bangura, who signed a four-year deal with Boro in September 2023, will be pleased to score his second Championship goal following a series of injuries throughout his debut season.
Boro quickly regained control of the game with two goals from Alex Bangura and Isiah Jones.
Michael Carrick’s team lost only one game in their final 11 matches and finished in the eighth position, missing out on the playoffs by just four points. On the other hand, Watford finished their season in 15th place.
Watford had an opportunity to take the lead early on through Vakoun Bayo’s header, but Middlesbrough goalkeeper Seny Dieng denied him from close range. At the other end, Daniel Bachmann saved Isiah Jones’ ferocious strike at his near post.
Just before the half-hour mark, Latte Lath scored his sixth goal in a row and his 18th of the season by sweeping home Luke Ayling’s cross from the right byline.
In the final minute of the first half, Edo Kayembe missed a chance to equalise for Watford. In truth, it summed up a first half where the Hornets lacked a sting in the tail.
Nine minutes after the restart, Boro almost doubled their lead on a counter-attack through Luke Thomas. However, Alex Gilbert timed a sliding tackle brilliantly to deny Bayo.
Watford equalized with 20 minutes left when Hoedt headed in Asprilla’s corner. Boro quickly restored their lead through Bangura after great work by Greenwood. Jones secured the win for Boro six minutes from time with an emphatic finish from Ayling’s pass.
