Watford sting Bantams

Patrick Blondeau set up Watford's second goal

Watford 4-1 Bradford City

Watford hammered Bradford at Vicarage Road to progress to the last 16 of the Worthington Cup.

Gianluca Vialli's men cruised into the fourth round for only the first time in nine years.

Two-goal Gifton Noel-Williams was the home hero as the Hornets finally lived up to their star billing.

Watford striker Tommy Smith had a goal disallowed early on as Bradford struggled to find any form.

Bradford keeper Aidan Davison was beaten for the first time in the 32nd minute when Micah Hyde headed into the net from a Smith cross.

Watford were good value for their lead but keeper Espen Baardsen did well to stop a fine curling shot from Eoin Jess.

Noel-Williams made it 2-0 on half time when Hyde worked the ball through to Patrick Blondeau whose cross was deftly nodded home.

Five minutes into the second half and Watford were firmly in the driving seat when Ramon Vega met a Stephen Glass corner to head into the net.

Bradford made a triple substitution but Watford continued to dominate.

Noel-Williams added Watford's fourth at the far post to leave the Bantams well beaten.

Watford lost some momentum when Vialli made two substitutions.

City broke back after 75 minutes when Ashley Ward rode a clumsy challenge from Vega and although Baardsen blocked the attempt the referee pointed to the spot.

Ward duly despatched the penalty but it was scant consolation for Bradford.

---

Watford: Baardsen, Blondeau, Vega, Cox, Robinson, Noble, Hyde, Hughes, Glass, Noel-Williams, Smith. Subs: Wooter, Chamberlain, Helguson, Fisken, Doyley.

Bradford: Davison, Jacobs, Myers, Wetherall, Halle, Makel, Jess, Locke, Blake, Ward, Carbone. Subs: Walsh, McCall, Whalley, Tod, Bower.

Referee: S Bennett.