Vakoun Bayo scored four second-half goals in a stunning individual display as Watford scored five times after the break to crush Sheffield Wednesday and end a run of five consecutive away league defeats.

The Hornets had not won away in the Championship since their opening day success against Millwall and were second before the break – and lucky to be level at 1-1 despite taking the lead thanks to a great finish from close range by Ryan Porteous.

Michael Smith’s smart volley deservedly equalized for the Owls, but Tom Cleverley’s side destroyed their hosts in the second half.

Penalties from Tom Ince and Bayo, in the space of six minutes, put Watford in control.

Bayo then headed in a fourth away goal before Pol Vaentin offered the slightest hope of an improbable comeback with a volley at the far post that made it 4-2 with eight minutes remaining .

An exquisite chip completed Bayo’s hat-trick and he took his season tally from one league game in 11 to five in 12 to seal an incredible victory and lift the Hornets to fifth place in the championship table.

More to follow.