WATFORD defender Jay DeMerit is revelling in his defensive role with the Hornets since the arrival of Martin Taylor.
The commanding centre half has had a big impact on the Golden Boys and with two clean sheets out of three, the early signs are promising.
Speaking about the partnership at the heart of the defence, DeMerit said: "Martin has come in and done a fantastic job.
"I think we compliment each other very well.
"During the many years I have been here I always seem to be more comfortable with a more physical player to my side, because I'm better at coming round and sweeping up and they are better at attacking the ball - so that relationship can hopefully get better."
Tuesday's win over Bristol City was the seventh in WD18 this term and with another five coming up in March, as well as a clash with second place Newcastle before February ends, there are plenty of points up for grabs in front of the home faithful.
"First things first though, you always want to play well at home and we have definitely done that in the last couple of games and predominately all season" commented the American defender.
"That's definitely something we have to continue and make sure we use games like Bristol to build confidence, then we can take that confidence away and hopefully start winning games on the road."
The 2-0 victory over The Robins was a professional, efficient display from the Hornets.
"You are always going to have games like this in the Championship, during the first half we kept a really high tempo, we got at them, we created a lot of chances" added the 30-year-old.
"They had to come out after half time and they had to go for it which means they were going to start pumping balls down the wings and up in the air and make us fight for it.
"From the front to the back we definitely did that and held on and it's another clean sheet, a second in a row at home and now we need to build on that."
Taylor's strike to double the Hornets' lead means DeMerit's colleague is now leading the way in the goalscoring charts between the pair.
DeMerit said: "I'll be on his heels now! That gives me even more of a challenge for the rest of the season."
Despite the enforced break this weekend there is still plenty to play for with a congested few weeks ahead for the 'Orns.
Watford's captain feels the side has now set a benchmark and it's their responsibility to keep on reaching those heights for the rest of the season.
"I think over the past couple of weeks we have set a standard and we need to make sure we continue that through the rest of the season" added the former Northwood defender.
"As you can see from the table there are 11 points that separate relegation and promotion, so we are right in the mix of it now.
"If we can find a bit of consistency, as everyone knows in this League consistency normally means you move up the table.
"So if we can be consistent at home and start picking up points away we can put ourselves in a good position."
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