A win is a win, and there were plenty of positives for Watford in yesterday's 2-0 victory over a limited Burton Albion side at Vicarage Road.

It wasn't a glittering performance by any means as the Hornets picked up their first win in six attempts, and it was the performance of some of the club's more fringe players which was the real highlight.

Brandon Mason has shot from a part of the club's under-23 side, struggling in the Professional Development League, to seeming one of the brightest prospects the Hornets have seen in some time.

Obviously it's still early days, but he looked a lot more assured than some of his more senior colleagues yesterday.

Here's how we rated Brandon and his team-mates in their FA Cup victory:

Costel Pantilimon - 6
Little to do for the most part, distribution and presence in the area both pretty good. Lucky to see his blushes saved by Lee Mason's half-time whistle, but otherwise fine.

Younes Kaboul - 5
Again rarely troubled, but some poor defending led to Burton's best opportunity of the game minutes after the break. Turned too easily by Tom Naylor, and only some poor finishing stopped his cross leading to an equaliser.

Craig Cathcart - 6
On just enough for a rating but with the start of the game so cagey from both sides, never really involved in the play. Will not be enjoying the 2016/17 season.

Miguel Britos - 6
Fairly solid and saw little come down his side in the way of meaningful attacks in either half. Fortunate not to be penalised for a foul in the build-up to Jerome Sinclair's goal but generally good.

Watford Observer:

Christian Kabasele - 7
Still not a right wing-back, but found himself in the right place at the right time for his second goal in Watford colours, and put in a shift as always.

Etienne Capoue - 6
A strong first-half which saw him much more mobile with and without the ball than he has been recently, but faded after half-time.

Watford Observer:

Abdoulaye Doucoure - 7
Again one of Watford's main strengths, another bright performance and looks a useful box-to-box player who Walter Mazzarri should utilise more in the second half of the season, injuries or not.

Brandon Mason - 7
One of the most comfortable players on the ball on the whole pitch yesterday and deserved his assist. Kept the visitors quiet down their right while always looking positive in possession.

Odion Ighalo - 6
Some bright moments with the return of the Iggy Chop, but should have been able to do more against a Championship defence.

Troy Deeney - 6
Not heavily involved in a lot of the hosts' attacking play but put a shift in nonetheless.

Watford Observer:

Jerome Sinclair - 7
Looked more and more confident as the game wore on with some dangerous runs from deep, capped with a sensational first goal late on.

Substitutes

Sebastian Prodl (for Cathcart, 15) - 6
An unexpected early replacement for his defensive colleague, but slotted in solidly.

Brice Dja Djedje (for Kaboul, 60) - 6
Looked hungry for the ball in his first appearance in a Watford shirt, and always willing to get forward. It'll be interesting to see whether he makes the 25 at the end of January.

Carl Stewart (for Sinclair, 90) - N/A