Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell hailed the courage of strikers Richard Cresswell and Rob Hulse, who both defied the pain barrier in last night's eventful 2-1 win against promotion rivals Watford.

Ex-York City ace Cresswell, who will eventually need a cartilage operation, played the final 15 minutes and helped set up Robbie Blake's winning goal, while Hulse defied five stitches in an ankle wound before giving way to Cresswell.

The win over a Watford team reduced to nine men from the 61st minute after the dismissals of goalkeeper Ben Foster and striker Darius Henderson in separate incidents, lifted Leeds over their opponents into third place.

Blackwell's side are now nine points behind second placed Sheffield United with a game in hand - and they have still to visit Bramall Lane.

Blackwell said: "Richard Cresswell and Rob Hulse showed great character in defying the pain. They were both desperate to play. 'Cressy' will be monitored from game to game and day to day in training.

"At the point when he feels he can't stand the pain any more we will have to pull him out. Please God, we will keep him fit for as long as we can. He came on and created the winning goal."

Leeds fell behind to Ashley Young's expertly struck free-kick from inside the 'D' with 40 minutes gone, but the equaliser arrived when Watford defender Jordan Stewart's short back pass was intercepted by Hulse who was brought down by Foster.

The keeper was red-carded, 41-year-old Alec Chamberlain leaving the bench to take over in goal, but the veteran couldn't get near Blake's perfectly placed penalty.

Henderson's elbowing offence on Sean Gregan two minutes later left Watford down to nine men and they showed commendable resolve before Cresswell and fellow substitute David Healy created the chance for Blake to fire in the 81st-minute winner.

Watford manager Adie Boothroyd, the former Leeds head coach, accused Gregan of influencing referee Michael Jones to send Henderson off.

Boothroyd complained: "When you go down like someone has hit you with a sledgehammer it is a bit disappointing. Some people call it professionalism, don't they? Darius's shirt was ripped so badly I thought he was going to turn into Superman, so there had to be some kind of wrestling match going on."

Blackwell defended Gregan. "I didn't see what happened when Henderson was sent off because the fourth official walked in front of me, but my understanding is that he raised his elbow and if he did that the referee made the right decision," he said.

Leeds match facts

Coca-Cola Championship

Leeds United 2, Watford 1

(at Elland Road)

Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Gregan, Crainey, Douglas (Healy 74), Derry, Miller, Lewis, Hulse (Cresswell 74), Blake. Subs (not used): Bennett, Einarsson, Walton. Cautions: Gregan. Goals: Blake 60 pen, 81.

Watford: Foster, Doyley, de Merit, Mackay, Stewart, Eagles (Chamberlain 58), Chambers, Bangura (Mariappa 74), Young, King (Bouazza 82), Henderson. Subs (not used):McNamee Diagouraga. Sent off: Foster, Henderson. Cautions: Chambers, Bangura. Goal: Young 40.

Referee: Michael Jones (Cheshire).

Attendance: 22,007.

Updated: 09:49 Wednesday, February 15, 2006