NEWCASTLE striker Obafemi Martins enhanced his blossoming reputation with a superb double to kill off stubborn Watford.

The 22-year-old Nigerian international snatched victory four minutes from time with a blistering drive from substitute Damien Duff 's cross to deny the Hornets a precious point on Tyneside.

Martins, who now has eight goals since his £10million switch from Inter Milan, had headed the home side in front on 49 minutes to set the stage for what his side hoped would be a comfortable victory.

However, Hameur Bouazza's 57th-minute equaliser sparked a Watford fightback which might have amounted to even more before the Newcastle's new number nine took a leaf out of predecessor Alan Shearer's book to claim the headlines at the death at St James' Park.

Much has been said about the muscular approach adopted by Adrian Boothroyd's men, but they played enterprising football which never allowed the hosts to relax and will count themselves unfortunate to have left the north-east emptyhanded.

The news that the club's 37-year wait for a trophy had technically ended - the Magpies are awaiting official confirmation that they will be awarded the Intertoto Cup after surviving longer in the UEFA Cup than any of the other qualifiers - cut little ice at St James' Park.

Manager Glenn Roeder, while happy to accept any silverware that might come his way, played down the achievement, although the fact that yesterday's game was his side's 30th of the season dating back to July 15 illustrated just how hard his players have worked to keep fighting on all fronts despite crippling injury problems.

The return of both Kieron Dyer and Emre from injury, with skipper Scott Parker and Duff on the bench, increase the anticipation for the Newcastle fans, although their was an air of frustration around the stadium by the time the half-time whistle sounded.

Only once was Watford keeper Richard Lee in real trouble, saving with his legs as Dyer's swerving 16thminute shot almost caught him wrong-footed.

The visitors re-emerged in determined fashion as both Alhassan Bangura and Bouazza went close in quick succession, but they fell behind with 49 minutes gone.

Butt picked out James Milner in space on the right and his cross was tailor-made for Martins to head powerfully past Lee.

However, Watford refused to throw in the towel and Shay Given had to make a good save to deny Bouazza on 54 minutes after he had turned Steven Taylor.

And they got their reward three minutes later when Henderson flicked on Ashley Young's corner and Bouazza stabbed the equaliser home from close range.

Duff and Parker both joined the fray and Martins sent the fans home happy when, four minutes from time when he controlled Duff's pass and blasted a shot into the roof of the net.