Watford will have to do it all again after Tranmere Rovers fought back from 3-0 down at half-time to snatch a 3-3 draw at Vicarage Road.

Goals from Tom Dele-Bashiru, Nathaniel Chalobah and Roberto Pereyra had put the much-changed Hornets firmly in command at the break in the FA Cup third round tie.

But Watford were never the same after Chalobah went off at the break with a groin injury and after pulling one back through Connor Jennings, Rovers gained increased heart and secured a replay through Manny Monthe and substitute Paul Mullin's late penalty.

This is how we scored the Hornets on day which saw five players make their first-team debuts.

Daniel Bachmann – 5

A largely assured Hornets debut until his handling error led to the second Tranmere goal. Also came very close to being penalised for handling outside his penalty area earlier in the second half.

Watford Observer:

Adrian Mariappa – 4

As with all his defensive colleagues, it was something of a game of two halves for the skipper. A comfortable first half giving way to an increasingly difficult second period in which Mariappa was unable to take a grip on the contest as would have been hoped. Let Connor Jennings run off him to score the first goal.

Craig Dawson – 5

Tried to help the Hornets reassert themselves when the second half was unravelling but was not helped by the lack of midfield protection in front of him.

Bayli Spencer-Adams – 5.5

An encouraging debut for the youngster. Was calm and assured for the most part but will be disappointed his first senior appearance was ended by cramp.

Adam Masina – 6

Arguably the pick of a Watford defence that was left increasingly exposed after the break. A largely solid showing from the left back.

Domingos Quina – 6

There is no doubting the Portuguese youngster’s ability, he showed it at times again yesterday, but it is of concern that a player who is looking to establish himself in the first team had to come off with cramp after barely an hour.

Watford Observer:

Nathaniel Chalobah – 7 

Growing in confidence with each game and it's showing in his displays. Gave Watford a firm base for their attacking play in the first half, set much of the tone for the performance and took his goal well. His involvement was cut short by a groin problem and the Hornets went backwards following his departure.

Tom Dele-Bashiru – 6

Capped his first Watford start with a fine strike for his goal. Impressed with some of his link-up play with Quina in the first half, but struggled increasingly after the break without the base provided by Chalobah as the midfield was over run.

Isaac Success – 4

His run that led to Pereyra’s goal showed what he is capable of, but it didn’t show that ability often enough. Wasn’t helped by having to change positions, although looked more comfortable in a central role. Once again displayed a frustrating tendency to complain when things didn’t go his way, rather than get on with the game.

Andre Gray – 2.5

A really disappointing day for the striker and a missed opportunity to push his first-team claim. Was unable to impose himself on the game or hold up play and even his involvement in the third goal seemed to lack conviction.

Roberto Pereyra – 3

Similar to Gray in some respects. Took his goal well but, that apart, another who failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Pereyra’s sending off was harsh but it was the result of his unnecessary petulance for a player who didn't cut a positive figure from the outset.

Substitutes

Watford Observer:

Joao Pedro – 5.5

A tough introduction to English football for the Brazilian who replaced Chalobah at the start of the second half. Showed flashes of his talent and went close to scoring, but is clearly raw and will need time and patience from everyone.

Callum Whelan – 3

Replaced Quina with 30 minutes remaining to become the fourth Hornets’ debutant of the afternoon. Struggled to impose himself and looked rather lost at times, but will learn a lot from the experience.

Mason Barrett – 3

The Hornets’ fifth and final player to make his debut when he replaced Spencer-Adams for the last 15 minutes. Was pitched into a difficult situation and struggled, conceding the penalty that led to Tranmere’s late equaliser.