Watford suffer a Reid raid

THERE is something about the second round of the League Cup that doesn’t suit Watford. Recent seasons have seen them crash out to Gillingham, Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers, and they were the victims of a smash and grab raid by Bristol City here.

City’s supporters had waited since 1994, and Brian Tinnion’s famous goal in the FA Cup at Anfield, for a Premier League scalp on the road and they were decent value for this one.

Trailing to Etienne Capoue’s strike just after half-time, they battled back and advanced to the third round following three quick breaks.

Teenager Freddie Hinds drew them level in style, letting fly from 30 yards with a bullet shot that beat Heurelho Gomes and found the bottom corner.

It promises to be a breakthrough season for the 18year- old, signed from Luton Town in January, and this second goal in the Carabao Cup this season can only impress manager Lee Johnson.

They led seven minutes later when Korey Smith advanced into space down the right, crossed and Bobby Reid stole in behind a sleepy Watford defence to tap home.

Watford were down to 10 men following the dismissal of Jose Holebas by the time Niclas Eliasson tucked home a third in stoppage time with their defence hopelessly outnumbered.

Adrian Mariappa’s late closerange headed goal was too little, too late and this was a dose of reality for Watford following a bright start to the Premier League campaign.

Though Watford made six changes from their weekend win at Bournemouth, City made nine with an eye on Friday night’s meeting with Aston Villa.

And assistant manager Dean Holden said: ‘Not many people gave us a chance coming here tonight, but there is a real feelgood factor about Bristol City at the moment. It was a very pleasing performance.’

Watford boss Marco Silva said: ‘It is a disappointing night for everyone. We prepared the match to win and in the first half, we controlled the match but played too slow.

‘But we started to lose easy balls and from two counterattacks, they scored two goals and then everything is difficult for us.’

Watford seized the initiative just after the break when Capoue fired home from just inside the box after debutant Will Hughes threaded a pass in to him.

They appeared favourites from there but were shellshocked by City’s breakaway goals.