THE similarities were there for all to draw today between the two clubs.

Watford and Barnsley, similarly-sized clubs drawing their support largely from its town and surrounds, with bigger-city rivals nearby, having just lost a top goalscorer each. The difference today, though, was Watford's seemingly greater desire to be first to every loose ball and cast-iron will to record a first home League win of 2012.

They were rewarded, ultimately, with two quality finishes from skipper John Eustace. But the manager's key assertion surrounded how the whole squad had coped with a testing week and emerged with two victories in the space of five days.

"The game might not have been a thing of beauty today but I thought we were strong and productive," contended the manager, when talking to Hornets Player shortly after full-time at an ice-cold Vicarage Road.

"We were good value for three points, in my opinion. And that's great credit to the group; it's as if nothing has happened this week the way they've played today and on Tuesday - but I can assure everyone it's had its challenges for all concerned.

"We had good penetration in terms of forcing the opposition back and creating chances of our own - especially in the first half.

"We weren't quite so much on the front foot after half-time, but our work rate was still at a level where I never felt Barnsley were likely to move us around and open us up too often.

"Finding a way to win these type of matches is what matters, and we did that with two moments of quality up front and some very organised play elsewhere throughout the team."

Disappointed to see a Barnsley consolation go in before the end, the boss nevertheless reflected on a decent team shape.

"It's not a great goal for us to be conceding, and I felt we ended the game a little bit soft from our point of view.

"But those last 10 or 15 minutes shouldn't take away from what was a good afternoon for us.

"I thought the fans were excellent once again," added Dyche.

I think they recognised the team needed that extra bit of support towards the end and they played a big part in us crossing the finishing line in front.

"So credit to them for first of all getting down here with the threat of the weather being forecast - and then to make themselves heard.

"I really believe that our supporters understand where we are as a club and what we're trying to do.

"We're not the finished article; we're still building, but while we develop, our aim is for our players to give everything they've got in every match and I think this week has been a great example of how the squad's mentality is spot-on, despite all that's happened."