In the early hours of Saturday morning Daniel Pudil’s girlfriend gave birth to their second child, Ella. Later that day the Hornets defender netted his first goal for loan club Sheffield Wednesday in the Owls’ 3-1 win over Preston North End.

The Czech Republic international is spending the campaign at Hillsborough and has impressed in his first five games for the club.

Kieran Lee, who was teed up by former Hornet Fernando Forestieri, put Wednesday in front before Pudil netted the home side’s second of the game from close range.

Alan Browne pulled a goal back for Preston but ex-Watford midfielder Lewis McGugan struck from 30 yards to seal the three points.

Speaking after the game, Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal told the Sheffield Star: “It is a fantastic day for Daniel with his daughter being born and scoring the goal.

“In the last 20 minutes, he asked to be substituted but we told him to try and stay on because we needed more energy in midfield. He did very well.”

Meanwhile, Diego Fabbrini played 70 minutes for Middlesbrough on Saturday but couldn’t help Aitor Karanka’s side avoid a 2-0 defeat at Reading, who were without Matej Vydra due to injury.

Gabriele Angella completed Queens Park Rangers’ 4-3 victory over Bolton Wanderers while in League One, Uche Ikpeazu made it two goals in two games as his thunderous strike helped Port Vale clinch a 2-1 win against Sheffield United.

Sean Murray wasn’t included in the Wigan Athletic match-day squad as the Latics drew 0-0 with Walsall.

Connor Smith has returned to Watford after his month-long loan spell at Stevenage ended prior to the Boro’s 1-0 defeat at Carlisle United.

In Europe, Miguel Layun completed 90 minutes and created a goal in Porto’s 4-0 win over Belenenses in the Primeira Liga.

Spanish full-back Juanfran was an unused substitute as Deportivo La Carouna were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow Pozzo-owned club Granada in La Liga.