Defender Craig Cathcart was pleased with the Hornets’ reaction to going behind against Middlesbrough, as they scored a late goal in the dying stages to win 2-1 yesterday evening (Tuesday August 30).

Rob Edwards’ side exhibited impressive mental fortitude to fight back from behind in spectacular style as Vakoun Bayo’s stoppage-time winner put the icing on the cake of the Vic 100 celebrations.

The Northern Irish centre-half, who took the armband in place of the absent Tom Cleverley, believes Watford’s resilience and personality played a huge role in overcoming the early set-back, eventually earning the victory.

“We got the last-minute goal and everyone is buzzing in the dressing room,” said Cathcart.

“It’s the best way to win sometimes. We knew it’d be a tough match, Middlesbrough started really well and got the early goal, but we showed good character and managed to get the win.

“You want to start on the front foot and that’s what we wanted to do, but obviously they got the early goal. We showed a really good reaction, in the first half I think we were on the front foot and we tried to make things happen, and I think overall we tried to put our stamp on the game.”

In front of the defender were in-form forwards João Pedro and Ismaïla Sarr. The duo combined for Watford’s first-half equaliser and Cathcart noticed their influential impact on proceedings.

“I think every team would be reliant on them two with the quality they have, to be fair,” he added.

“We’re obviously working on things and it takes time. Once the window shuts, we can settle and we’ll know the players we have. We’re building something here and we need to get the momentum going, especially at home with the fans behind us.

“I’m sure it’s off-putting if you’re involved in [transfer speculation], but it’s part of the game. It’s something you deal with throughout you career, so we’re used to it. Once the window does shut, we’ll be able to get our heads fully focused on the challenge of getting promoted.”

Despite the significant victory, Cathcart is refusing to get ahead of himself with a protracted second-tier campaign ahead of the team.

He explained: “Year after year teams that have a good run after Christmas are up there at the end, so as long as you’re in amongst it around Christmas you can stick at it and if you have a good run later you’ve got a good chance of getting promoted.

“The Championship is a physical game every week. It’s something we need to be ready for, and I think the newer lads are learning that. Every game’s tough and it’s one of those things – you’re going to get knocks and bumps, you’ve just got to get on with it.”

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