Middlesbrough's Uruguayan striker Christian Stuani (R) vies with Watford's German-born Greek midfielder José Holebas during the English Premier League football match between Middlesbrough and Watford at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough. Pic/AFP

London: Jose Holebas's powerful strike saw Watford to a 1-0 win away to Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Sunday. Victory saw Watford climb to ninth in the table but the result condemned northeast side Middlesbrough to a fourth defeat in five league matches. Greece international Holebas's goal was a rare highlight in a largely uninspiring contest where referee Roger East turned down several penalty appeals of varying merit at the Riverside Stadium.