Summary

  • Joao Pedro goal gives Watford victory

  • Watford relegated from Premier League last season

  • Blades lost in Championship play-offs

  • Ex-Forest Green boss Rob Edwards in charge of Hornets

  1. Postpublished at 64 mins

    Watford 1-0 Sheff Utd

    Sheffield United have got Billy Sharp and Rhian Brewster on the bench.

    How long before Paul Heckingbottom looks to make a change?

  2. Postpublished at 61 mins

    Watford 1-0 Sheff Utd

    Watford's front three of Emmanuel Dennis, Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro all played a part in that opening goal.

    They could well light up the Championship this season.

  3. YELLOW CARDpublished at 57 mins

    Watford 1-0 Sheff Utd

    Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom is booked for protesting following that goal.

    It might have been over the potential offside, or for a foul in the build-up. Either way, his side are a goal down.

  4. goal

    GOAL: Watford 1-0 Sheff Utdpublished at 56 mins

    Joao Pedro

    Joao PedroImage source, PA Media

    Watford break away from a Sheffield United corner and score!

    Emmanuel Dennis collects the clearance in the centre of the pitch, sends it wide to Ismaila Sarr and he puts it on a plate for Joao Pedro to slot home inside the box.

    Sarr might have been offside in the build-up, but the flag didn't go up and the goal stands.

  5. SUBSTITUTIONpublished at 55 mins

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    Enda Stevens can't continue and Max Lowe comes on for the Blades.

  6. Postpublished at 54 mins

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    Enda Stevens is down once again for Sheffield United.

    A bit of cramp maybe or a strain? It seems to be in his calf. He's off the field receiving treatment as the game goes on.

  7. YELLOW CARDpublished at 49 mins

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    That's a bit silly from Watford striker Joao Pedro.

    The Brazilian sticks an arm in the face of Enda Stevens and is booked.

    There's definitely been a bit of spice in this match.

  8. KICK-OFFpublished at 21:05 British Summer Time 1 August 2022

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    The hosts get things going again. Rob Edwards will want to see his Hornets side start it with the same intensity they began the first...

    Rob EdwardsImage source, Rex Features
  9. Postpublished at 21:02 British Summer Time 1 August 2022

    HT: Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    The teams are on their way back out at Vicarage Road.

    Who's going to make the difference?

    Let's find out...

  10. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 20:55 British Summer Time 1 August 2022

    #bbcefl

    What have you made of things so far then Watford/Blades fans?

    You can get in touch using #bbcefl on Twitter.

  11. Postpublished at 20:51 British Summer Time 1 August 2022

    HT: Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    Both teams looked well matched in those first 45 minutes.

    It's probably to be expected as they're two of the favourites to go up this season.

    Watford started really brightly, but the Blades grew into the game as the half wore on.

    All to play for after the break.

  12. HALF-TIMEpublished at 20:49 British Summer Time 1 August 2022

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    An entertaining, but goalless first half comes to an end at Vicarage Road.

  13. YELLOW CARDpublished at 45 + 2 mins

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    Tom Cleverley appears to slip into Illiman Ndiaye but the Watford captain is booked. Looked a little harsh to me.

  14. Postpublished at 45 mins

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    Daniel JebbisonImage source, Rex Features

    Sheffield United carve out an opportunity on the counter-attack!

    George Baldock sprints down the right and sends in a wonderful low pass to Daniel Jebbison on the edge of the box.

    The teenager curls it first time towards goal and his dipping effort is tipped over the bar by Daniel Bachmann.

  15. Postpublished at 42 mins

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    Joao PedroImage source, Rex Features

    That's a fine save by Wes Foderingham!

    Ken Sema sends in a lovely cross from the left and Watford striker Joao Pedro meets it with his head, but Foderingham dives to his left to claim the ball.

    Probably Watford's best chance of the half.

  16. Postpublished at 39 mins

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    A goal before half-time would be nice...

  17. Postpublished at 35 mins

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    The best chance of the game falls to the visitors.

    Iliman Ndiaye goes shoulder to shoulder with Hassane Kamara just inside the box and manages to get away from the Watford defender.

    But Ndiaye's low shot lacks a bit of power and is saved by Daniel Bachmann.

  18. Postpublished at 31 mins

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    Enda Stevens is caught late by Watford defender Ken Sema and requires a bit of treatment.

    He's okay to continue though.

  19. Postpublished at 29 mins

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    Edo Kayembe has a go from distance for Watford but his shot is blocked by a defender and loops out for a corner.

    With half-an-hour gone Rob Edwards might be a bit disappointed his side aren't a goal up but Sheffield United have defended well.

  20. YELLOW CARDSpublished at 25 mins

    Watford 0-0 Sheff Utd

    Francisco Sierralta and John FleckImage source, Rex Features

    It's all kicking off!

    Francisco Sierralta and John Fleck square up to each other after Sierralta had taken out Illiman Ndiaye - there's plenty of pushing and shoving and grabbing before it calms down.

    Both men are booked.