Ismael’s Hornets buzzing

DOUBLE:

PRESTON WATFORD

Keane 27

BOSS Valerien Ismael was delighted to see Watford’s ruthless streak come to the fore as they plundered five goals against Preston.

North End were put to the sword after taking the lead as the Hornets ran riot at Deepdale.

Ismael said: “It’s great to see the understanding we’re now getting. The players have to learn that ruthless aspect and we saw that here.

“We got off to a great start in the second half and when you see shots go in like that, it gives everyone confidence and belief.

“The momentum definitely changed after half-time but credit goes to all the players because it’s given us and the fans a great feeling.”

Preston struck first when Will Keane cheekily flicked home Liam Millar’s low cross.

Watford levelled just before the break when Vakoun Bayo dived in to thump home a header from skipper Wesley Hoedt’s precise delivery.

And they went ahead just 17 seconds into the second half when Matheus Martins slotted home – before Edo Kayembe drilled home a belter.

Bayo grabbed his second goal before Ismael Kone completed the rout to cap a miserable day for Preston boss Ryan Lowe.

He said: “I asked the lads at half-time to get on the front foot more but then straight from the kick-off one ball through the middle goes on to kill us.

“I think that knocked the stuffing out of us.

“It’s Jekyll and Hyde stuff – the difference between the two halves was incredible.” PRESTON: Woodman 8; Storey 7, Whatmough 5 (Holmes (58) 6), Lindsay 6, Potts 6 (Hughes (58) 6); Whiteman 5 (Brady (58) 6), Browne 7, Millar 7; Mccann 6, Osmajic 6, Keane 6 (Evans (58) 7) WATFORD: Hamer 8; Lewis 7, Hoedt 8, Sierralta 7, Sema 7 (Rajovic (65) 7); Livermore 6, Kone 8 (Chakvetadze (82) 6), Kayembe 7; Dele-bashiru 6 (Porteous (65) 6), Martins 7 (Pollock (65) 6), Bayo 8 (Healey 79) 5) STAR MAN: Wesley Hoedt – Watford skipper was a real inspiration for his team. REF: Sunny Singh Gill 8