Watford FC came from behind away against Oxford United to beat them on penalties in the Carabao Cup second round, booking a place against Newport County next week.
Stand-in goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann was the hero in the end after he saved all three of Oxford’s penalties in the shootout.
Boss Vladimir Ivic named almost a completely different eleven to the side that beat Middlesbrough on the weekend, giving rare starts to a lot of youth and fringe players.
It was the hosts though who took the lead on the 27th minute thanks to a wonderful strike from Rob Hall as the effort was too powerful for Bachmann to keep out. 1-0
Watford’s task look nearly impossible when they were brought down to ten men due to an injury to Marc Navarro after Ivic had made all three substitutions.
However, it was one of the subs, Ken Sema, who saved the Hornets with an equaliser just three minutes from time, after Joao Pedro’s scuffed effort fell perfectly for the Swede to tap home. 1-1
The turnaround was completed in the penalty shootout after Bachmann denied all three of Oxford’s attempts, while Sema, Quina and Perica scored Watford’s chances.
It means the Hornets’ Carabao Cup journey remains alive, and it’s a away trip to League Two side Newport County next week, but attentions will now turn to their second Championship game of the season at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Picture credit: Watford FC
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