Rotherham United boss Steve Evans believes Watford will win promotion this season but says the Hornets were outclassed and outplayed despite winning 2-0 against the Millers last night.

Goals from Lloyd Dyer and Gianni Munari secured victory for the Golden Boys at the New York Stadium but the visitors weren’t anywhere near their best.

Evans believes Watford’s Championship quality and experience paid dividends but was full of praise for his side.

He said: “It was tough to take because until they scored they’d been outclassed and outplayed. We were terrific against a top class side that I think will win promotion.

“We’ve given them a hiding but they’ve gone away with the points.”

Evans continued: “If you’ve got a goalkeeper like Heurelho Gomes, with his experience, then you’re going to have him making top saves. Then they’re bringing on players like Lloyd Dyer who has played in the Premier League.

“I’ve got nothing but respect for Beppe and his team but I think they’ll go back knowing it’s been a tough night for them.

“But they’ve got the points and they are a football club that conducts themselves properly - so we wish them well. It’s hard for me to say but, I’ll have a glass of wine, and lick my wounds.”

The Rotherham boss feels Watford are a better side than previous opponents Wolverhampton Wanderers and Derby County and reserved praise for Hornets midfielder Keith Andrews.

He explained: “I thought Keith Andrews was given the run around in the first half but, in the second half, I thought he was sensational.

“I don’t often say that about players but he was a Premier League player playing in the Championship in that second half.”

Evans was critical of referee David Webb and says the official “had a poor game” which included not awarding Watford a first-half penalty when Troy Deeney was brought down by Adam Collin.

“Let’s be honest, he has missed a lot,” Evans said. “Maybe Watford had a claim with Troy Deeney which, for me, looked a penalty.

“Troy Deeney doesn’t dive. I’ve watched the kid for years and know he doesn’t dive. But we should’ve had two penalties as well.

“But Watford have come, been clinical and got the points. So we’ll shake their hands.”