There will be no trip to Wembley for Watford this season after they fell at the first hurdle against League One Tranmere Rovers.

While Premier League may be the priority for the Hornets this season, the game at Prenton Park will still be seen as a wasted opportunity by some of the club's fringe players to prove they're ready for first-team selection. 

They will now have to wait for other chances to convince Nigel Pearson they can fit in his side.

Here's how we rated their individual performances:

Daniel Bachmann - 5

A tough night in goal for Bachmann, who is one of those players looking to prove he should be playing more regularly that he is. He flapped at deliveries into the box on more than one occasion and never looked settled.

Jose Holebas - 4

Struggled to cope with Kieron Morris and couldn't use his experience to gain much of an advantage for the Hornets. A poor night for him.

Christian Kabasele - 6

Probably Watford's best player on the night, but had the added task of organising the young defenders either side of him which meant he didn't always look comfortable and focused on doing his job.

Bayli Spencer-Adams - 5.5

Had some good moments at the back, but did struggle against very physical opponents. A game for him to learn from.

Mason Barrett - 4

Was run ragged by Corey Blackett-Taylor all evening in this unconvincing effort.

Domingos Quina - 5

Battled well, but played a lot of aimless balls forward and regularly conceded possession. Not his night. 

Tom Dele-Bashiru - 4

Struggled to make his mark on the match and was hooked at half-time, after which there was a marked improvement in Watford's midfield play.

Callum Whelan - 6

Played well in the second-half after a disappointing start to the game. Looked like one who could, in time, become a decent player.

Joseph Hungbo - 5

Made some decent runs forward and got involved in some of Watford's rare attacking moves, but lacked an end product. 

Joao Pedro - 5

Lacked service up top, but wasted a good chance early in the second-half. He put in a decent shift and there's clearly talent there, but it may take some time and patience before it fully emerges.

Andre Gray - 2

A real opportunity wasted by Gray, who was slightly hamstrung by long-ball tactics that don't play to his strengths. Nevertheless, he should have been able to adapt his game enough to make more of an impact than he did. He was second to every ball, gave away silly fouls and quite simply was nowhere near the player he can be. He's a man bereft of confidence and it is really getting the better of him at the moment.

SUBS

Kaylen Hinds - 6.5

Watford improved noticeably after his introduction and he got a goal for his efforts. A nice debut for the youngster.

Sam Dalby - 5

Struggled to make an impact after replacing Joao Pedro

Jayden Bennets - N/A

Joined the game too late to make an impact.

Henry Wise - N/A

Joined the game too late to make an impact.