Watford picked up their first win at the Nagjee Cup this afternoon, beating ten-man FC Rapid Bucharest 2-0.
Harry Kewell’s side lost their opener 2-0 to Brazilian side Atletico Paranaense but got their tournament up-and-running at the second attempt with victory over the Romanian side.
Rapid made the brighter start with Watford goalkeeper Luke Simpson called into action to make several early stops.
The Hornets took the lead after 24 minutes, though, as George Byers’ corner was headed goalwards by Bernard Mensah. His effort was saved by keeper Paul Botas but Alex Jakubiak was on hand to net from close range.
Simpson was again called into action after the break, clawing away Madalin Martin’s header to preserve Watford’s lead.
Mensah and Byers were involved in Watford’s second with the latter finishing after meeting a second corner.
That was the end of Mensah’s participation, though, as he was withdrawn after taking a knock in the build-up to the goal.
Ten minutes later Rapid’s Martin was sent off for a dangerous kick.
The Golden Boys might have added a third but Jakubiak passed up a chance from close-range to apply some gloss to the scoreline.
Next up for Kewell’s side is a game against Ukrainian side FC Volvyn on Monday.
Watford: Simpson; Lewis, Johnson, Young, Doherty; Stewart, Byers (c); Mensah (Adeyemo, 60), Murray, Martin; Jakubiak.
Subs: Haigh (GK), Eleftheriou, Folivi, Mason, Hall, Charles.
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