Match report: Watford 1-1 AFC Wimbledon
Watford drew 1-1 with AFC Wimbledon in sweltering heat at Grosvenor Vale as the Football Manager Cup was shared.
The Hornets had the better of the game, Mamadou Doumbia, Imran Louza and the lively Rocco Vata all going close, but found themselves behind when Liam Kelly dispatched a penalty rebound on the hour mark.
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Pierre Dwomoh equalised shortly afterwards, however, ensuring the Hornets took a draw from a tough workout.
Watford started on the front foot, with Doumbia and Vata heavily involved in their best moments.
The Mali international was denied by a good challenge on 10 minutes before Tom Ince headed the follow-up straight at Nathan Bishop.
Ryan Porteous searches out a pass (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC) Louza diverted Ryan Andrews' cross wide on 20 minutes, before Doumbia spun and shot wide after more good work from Andrews.
Wimbledon only threatened from set-pieces before half-time but improved after the break, Aron Sasu forcing a low save from Selvik.
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And the Dons soon went ahead, Pollock adjudged to have committed an offence from a corner and Kelly scoring at the second attempt.
Vata should have levelled with his left foot but was heavily involved with the equaliser.
The Republic of Ireland international made a clever run across the box and sent the ball back into the middle for substitute Pierre Dwomoh to tap home.
A flurry of substitutes then saw several younger players emerge for the Hornets.
The youngsters played with plenty of energy but were unable to muster the killer moment, dealing with rare forays forward at the other end comfortably.
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Watford: Selvik; Andrews (Sanghrajka, 67), Porteous (Keben, 46), Pollock (Clarridge, 67), Bola (Morris, 67); Louza (Ramirez-Espain, 67), Kyprianou (Dele-Bashiru, 46), Sissoko (Dwomoh, 46); Ince (Massiah-Edwards, 67), Doumbia, Vata (Nabizada, 67)
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