Leicester City scored three second-half goals to come from behind against Watford to keep their own slim playoff hopes alive.
Marvin Sordell netted first for the Hornets before Jeffrey Bruma equalised with a long-range effort.
Sordell put the visitors ahead again before half-time but two goals from Yakubu after the break, separated by another stunning strike by Bruma, gave Leicester a much needed three points.
The win kept the Foxes mathematically in reach of the playoffs, but they would need to win their next two games comfortably and be relying on a number of other results to go in their favour.
The first half saw Sven-Goran Erikkson’s men adopt an unusual 4-5-1 formation, with Jeffrey Bruma playing in the centre of midfield, Yuki Abe on the right and Darius Vassell as the front man.
Leicester dominated possession in the first twenty minutes but failed to create many clear-cut chances, although Patrick Van Aanholt volleyed over from a corner before Paul Gallagher’s free-kick was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Scott Loach.
Watford threatened with the long ball but failed to really challenge the Leicester defence, as Miguel Vitor and Ben Mee looked comfortable dealing with the aerial threat of Troy Deeney and the prolific Danny Graham.
But the visitors did take the lead when Kyle Naughton was caught in possession by Marvin Sordell who cut inside Miguel Vitor before curling a sublime strike past Chris Weale.
It was a rare mistake by the Tottenham loanee but Sordell still had a lot of work to do before finding the net with his fourteenth goal of the season.
Foxes heads appeared to drop after going behind but were level ten minutes later when Jeffrey Bruma smashed a hopeful long-range drive past the helpless Scott Loach.
The goal came from nowhere but it was an important one and a fantastic way for the Chelsea loanee to open his account with Leicester.
Leicester looked good value to go into the break on level terms with their counterparts, but Watford restored their lead just two minutes later when Ben Mee’s slip inside the penalty area allowed Marvin Sordell to who find the net for the second time in twelve minutes with a low drive into the bottom corner.
The goal exposed Leicester’s defensive frailties that have trouble them in recent weeks, having now conceded eight goals in the last three games.
The Foxes also lost Richie Wellens to injury on the stroke of half-time, replaced by a second striker in the form of Yakubu – a positive substitution for which Sven-Goran Erikkson would be rewarded after the break.
Leicester came out all guns blazing in the second-half and within minutes were threatening for an equaliser with Patrick Van Aanholt finding Darius Vassell, whose shot was blocked over the bar.
Ben Mee then hit the crossbar with a shot through a crowd of Watford defenders, and after a goalmouth scramble in front of the Spion Kop, the ball just could not be guided past Scott Loach.
It seemed as if it was just a matter of time before an equaliser would come as Leicester continued to dominate the game - Andy King coming close to guiding Yuki Abe’s shot inside the far post, and Miguel Vitor’s header being tipped over the bar.
Leicester finally levelled when goalkeeper Scott Loach collided with Yakubu and Watford defender Adrian Mariappa on the edge of the box; the ball falling to the Nigerian striker who curled the ball into an empty net from a tight angle.
It was a tidy finish by the Yak who had not found the net since his hat-trick against his former club Middlesbrough three weeks ago.
Scott Loach looked visibly rocked by the error and spilled another high ball as Leicester pressed in search of a winner - and came close when Andy King found Darius Vassell inside the penalty area, but the former England striker was unable to connect with the ball.
But the hosts were ahead for the first time in the game when Jeffrey Bruma – in plenty of space - lashed a 30 yard drive past Scott Loach into the top corner.
It was a goal that bettered his earlier strike and is a certain contender for goal of the season; a memorable moment for the Dutchman – and for the Blue Army who had witnessed a complete turnaround in the last ten minutes.
And victory was secured two minutes later when Andy King latched onto a long ball before forcing Scott Loach to parry the ball into the feet of Yakubu who cleverly chipped over the goalkeeper for his second of the game and ninth since joining the Foxes on loan.
It was no more than Leicester deserved after a scintillating second-half performance that demonstrated their ability to tear teams apart when at their best.
Danny Graham fired wide for Watford late on before Alexsander Tunchev – making his first appearance in over a year - came on in injury time for the Foxes, much to the delight of the home fans.
The final whistle ensured a deserved three points for Sven-Goran Erikkson’s side, and although Leicester’s playoffs hopes were virtually ended with Nottingham Forest winning at Bristol City, it certainly gave the Blue Army something to smile about.
Man of the Match – Darius Vassell
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