SUPER SEMA
Hornets ace stings into action
KEN SEMA kept Rob Edwards’ unbeaten start in tact as Watford boss intact with a secondhalf equaliser.
The Swede powered home after Birmingham midfielder George Hall, 18, had given the home side a shock lead in only his second career start.
The Hornets were without star man Ismaila Sarr, the subject of transfer interest from Crystal Palace and Leeds, with the visitors suggesting before the game it was due to injury.
However, they dominated early on as full debutant Yaser Asprilla went close from distance, before Vakoun Bayo headed wide from Joao Pedro’s cross.
Bayo, a recent arrival from Gent, then headed against the post after Craig Cathcart had nodded on Sema’s corner.
But completely against the run of play,
Birmingham took a 19th-minute lead. Former Watford star Troy Deeney’s quick throw found Scott Hogan, who burst down the right before cutting back for Hall to bury.
It was quite a moment for the Blues academy graduate, who has been given a chance by boss John Eustace.
Watford reacted well with Mario Gaspar denied by a superb interception on the line from Dion Sanderson after being set up by Pedro. Deeney went in search of the goal he so badly wanted as he shot straight at Daniel Bachmann from outside the area before the break.
However, after a slow start to the second half, Watford went on to level 18 minutes after the break.
The impressive Gaspar charged down the right and his cross was parried by John Ruddy with Sema drilling in the rebound from just inside the area.
Deeney was denied again by Bachmann before going off to a standing ovation from both fans.
Watford pushed for the winner but could not make the breakthrough as Eustace saw his side battle to a point.