ARNAUT Danjuma’s seventh goal of the season proved the difference as Cherries sealed a priceless 1-0 home victory over promotion-chasers Watford - in which both sides had a man sent off late on.

The Dutchman, having been recalled to the starting XI, struck just past the hour mark to give Jonathan Woodgate his first victory since being named permanent head coach.

Joao Pedro was then dismissed in stoppage time following a second booking and, following a mass brawl in the dying moments, Jack Wilshere was given his marching orders for the hosts after tussling with Tom Cleverley.

Victory in the early kick-off lifted the Dorset club back into the play-off places.

The big team news from the contest was that Dominic Solanke was judged fit to start for Cherries after overcoming an ankle problem.

His inclusion was the first time he had been available for selection under head coach Woodgate.

There were also recalls for Ben Pearson and Danjuma. Diego Rico and Philip Billing dropped to the bench. Sam Surridge was left out of the squad altogether through injury.

Watford went into the contest on the back of a four-game winning run – midfielder Dan Gosling was named among the substitutes for the Hornets on his return to Vitality Stadium.

And it was Xisco Munoz’s men who almost found an opening after just five minutes.

After Kiko Femenia’s cross from the right was parried away by Asmir Begovic, Adam Masina’s header was directed just wide of the far post.

Cherries then looked to respond. After Lloyd Kelly exchanged passes with Danjuma, he found Stanislas surging down the right. The winger’s fierce effort from the edge of the box was blocked to safety.

Stanislas was then involved again as Cherries looked to surge forward. Solanke held the ball up well to release the former Burnley ace into the box, who cut inside his man before failing to connect with an effort on goal.

Back came Watford with a dangerous attempt on 25 minutes. Femenia again produced another menacing delivery into the box, where dangerman Joao Pedro headed wide under pressure from Begovic.

A slick Cherries passing move then resulted in their first real effort on goal after 32 minutes.

After shifting the ball from either flank, the move eventually found it’s way to marauding full-back Kelly, who drilled an effort which was parried over by keeper Daniel Bachmann.

Following the break, Begovic was again on hand to keep out a cross from Femenia. The Bosnian shovelled behind another dangerous delivery.

Danjuma then looked to work his magic 10 minutes into the second period. The Dutchman showed quick feet to dance around his defenders inside the area before his effort was blocked by Francisco Sierralta out for a corner.

Begovic then denied Cleverley before the game’s big moment came on the hour mark.

After Jefferson Lerma and Nathaniel Chalobah competed for the ball from a throw-in – the former was left on the ground having been swatted away by the Watford man, who was booked.

After both teams confronted one another, Steve Cook’s long restart down the left found the direct run of Danjuma, who burst away from the home defence before beating Bachmann at his near post.

Gosling was then introduced for the visitors in place of Chalobah – before Watford almost capitalised on a momentary lapse from Begovic.

The keeper failed to gather cleanly after Ken Sema’s flick-on but Ismaila Sarr was unable to get a final touch.

Watford then piled the pressure on the Dorset club late on and the contest reached boiling point.

Joao Pedro was given his marching orders after a challenge on Lerma.

Wilshere, who was earlier cautioned for time-wasting, was dismissed following brawl between the sides in the aftermath.

Cherries: Begovic, Smith, S Cook, Carter-Vickers, Kelly, Lerma, Pearson (Billing, 86), L Cook, Stanislas (Wilshere, 76), Solanke (Long, 80) Danjuma.

Unused Subs: Rico, Mepham, Riquelme, Anthony, Kilkenny, Travers (g/k).

Booked: L Cook, Begovic, Wilshere (2).

Watford: Bachmann, Femenía, Cathcart, Sierralta, Masina (Lazaar, 76), Cleverley, Hughes, Chalobah (Gosling, 76), Sarr, João Pedro, Sema (Perica, 85).

Unused subs: Ngakia, Troost-Ekong, Wilmot, Zinckernagel, Gray, Elliot (g/k).

Booked: Masina, Hughes, Chalobah, Sarr, Joao Pedro (2).

Referee: Tony Harrington.