Watford secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Wrexham at Vicarage Road, ending the visitors' unbeaten away league run this year and boosting their own Championship playoff aspirations. Goals from Marc Bola, Edo Kayembe, and a stoppage-time effort from substitute Edoardo Bove proved decisive, with Max Cleworth netting a consolation for the Red Dragons.
The Hornets made four changes from their defeat at Stoke City, handing full debuts to Mattie Pollock, Luca Kjerrumgaard, Nestory Irankunda, and Pierre Ekwah. Wrexham made one alteration from their Welsh derby win over Swansea, with Ryan Longman replacing Issa Kaboré.
Watford took the lead in the 18th minute after a swift counter-attack. Giorgi Chakvetadze ran from his own half and backheeled to Bola, who finished past Arthur Okonkwo. The goal was preceded by a controversial moment when Wrexham's Ollie Rathbone fell in the area, but referee Adam Herczeg waved play on. Kayembe doubled the lead in the 37th minute, driving home from outside the box after a lay-off from Irankunda.
Wrexham pulled one back four minutes into the second half when Cleworth turned in a corner from Rathbone. The visitors then pushed for an equaliser, forcing Watford's defence into two goal-line clearances from Pollock, who denied Dominic Hyam and then Cleworth again. However, in the sixth minute of added time, Watford sealed the win as Bola's shot hit the crossbar and Bove tapped in the rebound.
