Walter Mazzarri believes Watford's 2-0 victory over Burton Albion is a very important win for his side.

The Hornets came into the match under pressure after a five-match winless run but goals from Christian Kabasele and Jerome Sinclair fired them into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Head coach Mazzarri said: “It was very important. We needed this victory today because lately we were also not lucky in the episodes. My players were afraid on the first occasion we had we were going to pay the highest price like lately has been happening.

"Now my players can play more relaxed like they showed when we were 2-0 up and managed to control the game without any problem."

It was Mazzarri's first experience of the FA Cup and the Italian was encouraged by his side's performance as they avoided a potential upset against the Championship strugglers.

The Watford boss said: “I liked it a lot because it’s a tournament very highly considered in England.

"I also saw a lot of fans today but most of all what I liked is we managed to win and have a very good performance as well which is not something that always happens so I’m very happy for this."

He added: “My players did very well today. Brandon Mason did wonderful on his full debut giving an assist for the goal of Kabasele.

"We didn’t risk a lot for the whole game and when we were 2-0 up we managed to control the game very well like I like my team to always play."