Watford 'managing' players' Ramadan fasting

Watford boss Tom Cleverley revealed up to half a dozen players are fasting for Ramadan after his side faded following a bright start in a 2-1 home defeat by Millwall.

The Hornets dominated the opening half with crisp passing and good movement and went ahead through Mattie Pollock's header from a corner.

But the second half saw the visitors hit back with two goals as Watford's play-off aspirations suffered a setback.

Asked about players fasting, Cleverley told BBC Three Counties Radio: "I think we're the most-affected squad in the league when it comes down to that.

"We work really hard with our nutritionists to make sure they're in the best condition they possibly can be.

"It's something we'll have to manage through this period. Five or six of our players today (were fasting). Did it have an impact? I don't know."

He added: "On the balance of the game, I don't think we deserved to lose it. But we have to improve on that second half. First half, we were good value for our lead but we just couldn't replicate that performance. We looked a tired outfit in the second half."

Watford have an extra day's rest before their next game, at home to Swansea City on Wednesday evening.