Under-23: Watford 2-1 Bristol City
By Kevin Affleck
Hayden Mullins got the result the doctor ordered on Friday (September 20) after his Under-23 side bounced back from the heavy defeat to Leeds United with a confidence-restoring win over Bristol City.
First-half goals from Kane Crichlow and Joseph Hungbo put the Hornets in complete control before a late strike from Tommy Conway made things slightly more uncomfortable than they ought to have been.
That’s now four wins out of five for this newly-configured squad and a good way to respond to the 6-0 defeat at Elland Road.

“In spells we were good,” said Mullins. “We perhaps should have been further in front than just two, and 2-0 is always a dangerous score. We spoke at half-time about keeping the same mentality and seeing the game out.
“We were okay in the second half but I’m just disappointed with the late goal, really. We spoke about getting the clean sheet and getting into good habits, so the lads are very disappointed about that one. But that gives us something to work on and tidy up.”

The Hornets’ bench had a real Irish feel to it, with Republic of Ireland youth international Ryan Cassidy coming on for his first appearance of the season and then former Bohemians midfielder Bosun Lawal being handed his first shot at this level.
“It was good to see Ryan back,” said Mullins. “He looked sharp and bright. Bo came on and he looks a really good player. He’s come over from Ireland and is still young. I was impressed with how he went about his game today. It’s a reward for how well he has been doing for the Under-18s, so it was a well done for him and Jack Burchell who was also on the bench.”
HORNETS: Parkes; Balogun (C), Barrett, Spencer-Adams, Zeegelaar; Hungbo (Trialist 68), Wise (Lawal 76), Whelan, Bennetts; Crichlow, Dalby (Cassidy 57).
Subs not used: White, Burchell.