Zola: ‘We need to grow up quickly’

An injury-time equaliser from Burnley’s Sam Vokes denied Watford and invaluable three points & put further importance still on Tuesday’s trip to Hull City.

Watford fell behind twice in the game; Charlie Austin scoring twice with the Hornets responding through Troy Deeney and Fernando Forestieri.

Forestieri then struck again to put the Golden Boys ahead for the first time in the game before substitute Vokes levelled at three apiece.

Speaking afterwards to The Watford Observer, head coach Gianfranco Zola admitted his side needed to ‘grow up quickly’ if they were to clinch promotion this term.

‘We have a very young team and a lot of players who need to grow up in terms of experience and knowledge of the game,’ admitted Zola.

The Italian continued:

‘There is not much time for them to learn because we need to grow up quickly as we have done very well so far and it would be a pity to not finalise what we have done so far.’

Zola continued, lamenting his side’s inability to hold onto a lead and see the job through.

“Towards the end I didn`t see it coming and that isn`t the first time we have conceded goals towards the end of matches recently when I haven`t seen it coming.’

Zola’s opposite number Sean Dyche – back at the Vic’ for the first time since his sacking last summer – paid tribute the Hornets supporters for their ovation to mark the former bosses return.

“I think over time, the fans came to appreciate that we had to build something last season and they stuck with us mostly after a real tough start.

“I think there is a mutual respect in terms of what came out of last season.”

Watford travel to Hull on Tuesday night for the start of perhaps the biggest week in the club’s recent on-field history, facing Cardiff City on Saturday back in Hertfordshire.