BOSS Russell Martin reiterated his belief that Flynn Downes is one of the best players in the Championship after his last-gasp winner.

The 25 year old West Ham loanee struck in the 99th minute to send Watford home pointless with a 3-2 win over the Hornets at St Mary's. 

Midfielder Will Smallbone was voted man of the match by the supporters but Downes was a stand-out in equal measure.

Downes made more tackles and interceptions than any other player on the pitch in another colossal performance. 

Speaking after the match, Martin told the Daily Echo: "I don't think it could have fallen to a better person to score. 

"The person who scored, the one who deserves it, it would have to be him, I think. The way he's played over the season he's been here.

"For a loan player, it's the commitment, the character he's got, the desire to win, the athleticism," he continued. 

"As I said to you before, I think he's the best in the league for a lot of reasons. I think he's shown that again with the performance today." 

Watford interim head coach Tom Cleverley was left furious that Ryan Manning was allowed to deliver the corner for Downes to score.

The fourth official has signalled for a minimum of seven added minutes, with an additional two minutes played. 

"I don't think it's ever set at seven minutes, it is seven minimum," Martin insisted. 

"And their goalie took a long time on the ball for a goal kick when it went out, so it probably hurt them at the end.

"I'd probably be frustrated if I was him as well, but I don't think they can stop the game when the momentum is like that. I'm pleased we did just enough to win it right at the end."