Report and free match highlights from the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford and Middlesbrough at Vicarage Road as Josh Coburn scored the winner for Boro after the Hornets had bounced back from two goals down.
Saturday 30 September 2023 18:52, UK
Middlesbrough recovered from letting an early two-goal lead slip to secure a rousing 3-2 victory at Watford and continue their climb up the Championship table.
After collecting just two points from their opening seven league games, Michael Carrick's side have now managed successive victories.
Local boy Josh Coburn scored the 63rd-minute winner that halted an improbable comeback by Watford, who now sit just a point above their visitors having won just one of their last eight league fixtures.
Boro, who won their first league game of the campaign last weekend, raced into a 2-0 lead after only 12 minutes, courtesy of Riley McGree's brace.
Their opening goal was one of stunning simplicity. Jonny Howson slid the ball in front of McGree, who had drifted between defenders. If that gap was large, so was the one left by Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann at his near post into which McGree calmly steered his shot.
After Vakoun Bayo had steered a tame header wide at the other end, Boro extended their lead, again with the greatest of ease.
Matt Crooks moved into the Watford penalty area unchallenged and slid the ball square to McGree, who side-footed another shot past the motionless Bachmann.
Having been gifted the space in which to carve out opportunities in the Watford half, the visitors then reciprocated when Dael Fry failed to cut out a Ryan Porteous through ball and Bayo slid his shot under the advancing Seny Dieng to bring hope back to Vicarage Road.
Just as Watford had not learned their lesson, neither did Fry. The Middlesbrough central defender failed to cut out another forward pass, this time from Yaser Asprilla, and allowed Bayo to sprint clear again. This time, Dieng forced the Watford striker wide and watched on gratefully as Bayo skewed his shot wide.
The home side drew level in the 51st minute after Dieng had flung himself low down to his left to brilliantly parry away a downward Bayo header.
From the resulting corner, Imran Louza's delivery found its way to the edge of the Boro area where Wesley Hoedt connected with an extraordinary half-volley.
Middlesbrough set about trying to retake the lead.
Isaiah Jones' control let him down as he sprinted on to one Crooks pass, but Coburn was less profligate when Crooks split the Watford defence with another.
The 20-year-old, whose introduction into the Boro side by Carrick has coincided with their upturn in form, calmly stroked the ball past Bachmann.
The visitors held on this time but only just as Watford substitute Matheus Martins cut inside and curled a shot that clipped the crossbar three minutes into added time.
Watford's Valerien Ismael:
"I'm not very happy with myself. Today is on me, the first half, because we tried to change the shape and tactically.
"It didn't work out like I expected, especially when the opponents score goals quickly. Then the confidence goes low. I cannot blame the players.
"Out of possession was difficult today and we struggled to control the midfield due to my decision.
"We came back but if you start the game two down, it takes a lot of energy to come back into the game. I made the wrong call in the first half. It was my responsibility and I'm frustrated with myself.
"We are still seeking the flow you get when everything goes in the right direction. It's a process we need to go through, but it's clear that we are conceding too many goals at the minute.
"The good thing is that are creating a lot of chances and scoring. We have to find the right balance now.
"We are on a difficult run, but the good thing is that the next game is on Wednesday."
Middlesbrough's Michael Carrick:
"It was a very good win. A bit of all sorts in there. We started well and then let them back into it out of nowhere.
"But we managed to find a way. Being 2-2 after going 2-0 up and still winning shows a lot of character and a lot of heart. I thought we dug in well after half-time. It's not easy when you start the game so well and then lose the flow.
"It's been a big week in terms of results. Winning games does give you extra zip, extra energy and a little bit of confidence.
"I did feel it was coming. We've probably played better in games and lost this season. It just shows that you've got top go through that spell and earn it really, to come out on top."
