Watford impress in 1-1 draw at Peterborough United as Troy Deeney makes it two-in-two

The Hornets dominated much of the first half with some exciting play and a host of strikes at goal - with little success.

The visitors couldn’t maintain the same level in the second half but when Peterborough took the lead through Danny Swanson, the Golden Boys responded immediately to level through Troy Deeney.

Watford named a very strong side for tonight’s match. Daniel Pudil replacing Davide Faraoni was meant to be the only alteration to Saturday’s starting XI but Jonathan Hogg was withdrawn shortly before kick-off, with new signing Iriney taking his place.

It was a different story for Peterborough though; with a couple of locals suggesting that just three or four of tonight’s side would start in their first League One game on August 3.

Both sides are renowned for wanting to play ‘passing football’ and that was evident early on.

Watford controlled most of the opening half an hour and continuously sent efforts from distance wide as they pegged back the home team.

Fernando Forestieri, who should have released the unmarked Lewis McGugan on one occasion, was wayward three times, McGugan had a couple of efforts go wide plus Marco Cassetti and Deeney also tried their luck from distance in the first half.

Forestieri did force Jason Day into a save down to his right early on and McGugan brought the best out of the Peterborough goalkeeper with a lovely, curling strike which was heading for the top corner before it was tipped away.

New signing Iriney played well and showed he isn’t just a ball-winner with a delightful disguised pass which released Pudil but the left back’s shot was tame and easily saved.

Peterborough’s Emile Sinclair dragged wide from inside the area after Gabriele Angella failed to deal with a bouncing ball but the Hornets were the better team in the opening 45 minutes.

McGugan impressed and was a constant threat. He linked up well with Almen Abdi and whilst Forestieri’s shooting was too often wayward, he was continuously collecting the ball in dangerous areas. The two full backs – Ikechi Anya and Pudil – were also excellent outlets in the first half.

Watford made three changes at the break; Faraoni came on for Pudil, with Anya switched to the left, Abdi made way for Diego Fabbrini and Javier Acuna replaced Forestieri.

Again it was the visitors with the first chance as McGugan intercepted a poor pass and burst towards the box but his shot was not hit hard enough and was too central.

Peterborough would have taken the lead moments later had it not been for a fine double save by Jonathan Bond. Poor play from Doyley saw him disposed by Sinclair and Bond made an excellent point-blank save. The goalkeeper then parried away Tomlin’s rebound.

Watford then had a couple of efforts in quick succession as Fabbrini’s shot was blocked and Deeney headed over following good work from Anya on the right.

But then a fantastic through ball from Peterborough’s Tomlin released Swanson and Bond wasn’t able to stop his shot when one-on-one.

The Golden Boys responded immediately though when McGugan’s thunderous free kick rebounded off the crossbar and Deeney did well to control and score.

Peterborough had the ball in the net once more with 20 minutes remaining as substitute Shaquille McDonald slid in at the far post to convert Sinclair’s cross but it was ruled out for offside.

The high-energy game fizzled out somewhat following a host of changes and apart from a blocked Sean Murray free kick and a sliced Javier Acuna shot from distance, there was little of note to report on.

Peterborough: Day; Ferdinand (Brown 69), Brisley, Zakuani, Ntlhe (Rowe 61); Mendez-Laing (McDonald 61), Kearns, Anderson (Grant 74), Swanson; Tomlin (Richens 67), Sinclair (Ajose,71).

Substitute: Olejnik.

Watford: Bond; Doyley (Brown 62), Angella, Cassetti; Anya, Santos (Murray 75), Abdi (Fabbrini HT), McGugan (Battocchio 62), Pudil (Faraoni HT); Deeney (Assombalonga 62), Forestieri (Acuna HT).

Substitutes: Schotterl, Smith, Mensah.