The game was postponed from 14th January.

Match Report: Tranmere Rovers 2-1 Watford (AET)

Watford lose FA Cup replay against Tranmere Rovers

Nigel Pearson said his Watford youngsters were introduced to ‘men’s football’ at Tranmere Rovers

Watford players rated after slipping out of FA Cup at Tranmere Rovers

Kaylen Hinds was proud to score on his Watford debut against Tranmere Rovers

Callum Whelan says Watford’s younger players can learn from Tranmere Rovers FA Cup defeat

Paul Mullin’ extra-time header set up an FA Cup clash with Man Utd for Tranmere after a 2-1 win over Watford at Prenton Park.

In a game rescheduled from earlier in the month because of a waterlogged pitch, Rovers capitalised on a hugely under-strength Hornets and best navigated a dire, sand-covered Prenton Park surface to finally settle the tie in extra time.

Pearson has made it clear Premier League survival is Watford’s priority and underlined that by making 11 changes from the side that lost at Aston Villa in midweek.

Nigel Pearson, to his credit, was gracious in defeat and blamed neither the poor playing surface nor his changes for the early exit, although the Watford manager was pointed in his criticism of some of the club’s young players who failed to seize their chance to impress. “Some of our young players thought they could just turn up in the first half,” he said. “You have to earn the right to play. It was a bit of a reality check for some. Welcome to the man’s game.”

In the cold light of day, while it had been a disappointing performance from the youngsters, it was not unexpected.  They had started brightly enough and there had been a few decent moments, but the Tranmere team were too strong for them and, ultimately, appeared to want it more.  Of the youngsters, Hinds did well when he came on and deserved his goal.  Spencer-Adams has looked promising in both games and Whelan had a decent second half.  Of the first-team players, Kabasele put in a decent shift, Holebas had a couple of very decent chances but looked unhappy to be there and Gray was mostly anonymous, which was very sad to see.

After two defeats midweek, there was no Watford game on the weekend. so Jon and Mike gathered to discuss two disappointing results, how the squad, in particular the young hornets who played against Tranmere.