Lewis Travis hailed a “massive team effort” after Rovers secured all three points following a spirited display at Vicarage Road.

The result saw the side return to winning ways after a narrow defeat against Hull City a week prior despite playing with 10 men for most of the game against the Tigers.

Watford had been tipped to push for a top six spot by many ahead of the new season but could not break down a resilient Rovers side on the day.

“It was a massive team effort,” said the skipper. “I think all the lads played well and put a shift in. Credit to all of them, it was a fantastic performance.

“It was very tough but the boys executed the gameplan. We want to dedicate that win to Matt Sillitoe and his family.

“He was a big part of Blackburn Rovers and a great fan. We are all thinking about him and that win is for him.”

Ahead of kick-off, Travis and the squad gave a bouquet of flowers to Matt’s sister in the crowd after his tragic passing.

Around 1,000 fans made the journey to the capital in total, and the midfielder was pleased the squad could repay their support with a victory.

“We all appreciate what they do, coming on the train, the bus or however they get here. It is huge dedication from them and it is nice to pay them back,” he continued.

Ryan Hedges got the decisive goal, firing past Daniel Bachmann from a tight angle after skipping past a challenge in the box.

“It was a great finish. To be honest, I didn’t see it at the time because I was on the floor,” Travis grinned.

“It was great looking back at the replay. That was our gameplan, just to sit behind the ball and catch them on the counter with the pace we have got up front.”

Andrew Moran came off the bench for his first minutes in a Rovers shirt after arriving on a season-long loan from Brighton.

“He has only trained once so we have not had a great look at him, but I have heard great things about him and he is a great lad. We are all excited for him to be here,” Travis explained.

Pat Gamble and Tom Bloxham were also included in the squad for the first time in the league, and the skipper praised their attitude when coming into the first-team picture.

While the squad is light in numbers in a few areas, Travis reckons there is still enough quality in the squad to achieve their goals in the coming weeks and months.

“That is what it is all about,” he said. “Blackburn have always had a great Academy. The squad might be thin, but we have enough in the dressing room to do something special this year.

“Credit to the young lads, they always come in and train well with us. Then they get given their chance.”

The 25-year-old caused the Watford backline plenty of problems with his runs from deep, offering vital support to Rovers’ attackers as they looked to exploit the space and do damage on the break.

“I have said before, they have got top players all over the pitch. It is always good to test yourself against the best,” he added.

“Coming to a place like this and getting three points is great for everyone’s confidence.

I enjoy (pushing forward), but I feel like I play my best football at the back. I have been asked to play higher so it is a new challenge for me and I am happy to help the team wherever I play.”

Rovers have now taken seven points from their opening four fixtures in the league, and Travis is keen to keep building momentum as the games come thick and fast.

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men are also hoping to progress in the Carabao Cup when they head to Harrogate on Wednesday night.

Rovers overcame Walsall 4-3 in the opening round at Ewood Park thanks to goals from Zak Gilsenan, Niall Ennis, Jake Garrett and John Buckley.

A tough test against Plymouth is also around the corner, and Travis knows the next few days won’t be easy for the squad.

But the tenacious midfielder is relishing the challenges ahead and hopes the squad can keep pulling together.

“We just need to keep going. The squad is thin but we have got enough to win each of those games. We need to get Harrogate out of the way, hopefully win that and then go onto Plymouth.”