Watford defender discusses what it's like playing against Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher after Middlesbrough win

The 20-year-old defender was making his first league start for the Hornets during Friday’s win, when he lined up in a back three alongside Craig Cathcart and Christian Kabasele.

Wilmot, who impressed in the Championship during a loan spell at Swansea last season, spoke to the press after the game, and was asked by the Mail about Boro frontmen Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher.

“They are both awkward, different characters yet very similar,” Wilmot replied. “They are both strong and quick and like the ball in behind or to their feet.

“That’s difficult but we knew exactly what was coming and it came.

“We prepared well for it and I thought on the whole we dealt with it pretty well.

“There were no problems really for our back three.”

Boro’s 1-0 defeat at Vicarage Road marked Neil Warnock’s tenth competitive game in charge of the Teessiders, and was only the second game where they have failed to score under his management.

Many felt the visitors deserve at least a point as they went toe-to-toe with a side who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Warnock’s men wrestled hold of momentum in the second half and looked particularly dangerous on the right, with Anfernee Dijksteel and Djed Spence combining well in the second half.

Yet Watford keeper Ben Foster wasn’t overly stretched and would have been disappointed if he was beaten by one of Boro’s four shots at goal.

Wliot felt it was a good test for his side, who were playing their first league match under new head coach Vladimir Ivic.

"It was difficult, but I think we needed it as a team," said Wilmot.

"There's a few lads who aren't aware of what the Championship's like, so it was a good test, but I think the way we played in the end was enough for what we got. I think we warranted the win in the end and everyone's happy and pleased with that.

"Everything was about just the three points tonight; I think the performances will come.”

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.