Post Match

The Hornets bowed out of the Carabao Cup tonight and they can have few complaints. They were beaten fair and square by a hungrier, sharper and busier Newport County side who claimed their second Championship scalp of the competition.

Watford beaten by Newport County in Carabao Cup

Adalberto Penaranda’s penalty halved a 2-0 advantage that the Exiles had built up in the first-half through goals from Tristan Abrahams and Joss Labadie, but Podraig Amond’s strike ten minutes later put the game beyond the Hornets’ reach.

Vladimir Ivic wants Watford to focus on the Championship

Watford players rated after Carabao Cup loss to Newport County

Vladimir Ivic rested Watford players for Luton Town match

Craig Dawson felt Watford deserved defeat at Newport

Watford’s new Serbian boss Vladimir Ivic sent out a team showing 10 changes from the one that drew 0-0 with Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship last weekend.

Watford substitute Stipe Perica was sent off late on for elbowing Cooper.

So the most pleasing thing about this evening is the shade of amber of Newport’s shirts. It’s…. not quite as orange as Wolves, not quite as yellow as Bradford. It’s what Newport’s shirts should be.  I guess Shoot League Ladders have a lot to answer for, since we’ve not played Newport since 1978, so I’ve nothing really to base this instinct on.

Watford’s League Cup adventure may be over, but From the Rookery End goes on! Jon, Mike and Colin convened shortly after the final whistle at Rodney Parade to look back at a disappointing evening in Wales, and looking forward to what promises to be an altogether different experience when some old friends ride into town on Saturday.

• July